KAVACH system

KAVACH system

KAVACH System

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “KAVACH System”. The topic “KAVACH System” has relevance in the Science and Technology section for the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance of the topic “KAVACH System”:

For Prelims:
What is the KAVACH System?

For Mains:
GS 3: Science and Technology
What is the significance of the KAVACH System?

Why in the news?

The recent accident of the Coromandel Express has highlighted the KAVACH system. Many people have argued that had the KAVACH system been in place the accident could have been prevented. But the Railways statement has said that it is not about the KAVACH but pointed to the signalling failure. 

What is the KAVACH System?

Kavach, meaning “armour” in English, is an indigenous automatic train protection (ATP) system developed by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO).

The initial development of this system began in 2012 under the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and it reached completion in 2022.

What is the objective of the KAVACH System?

The main goal of the KAVACH system is to achieve zero accidents. It has been seen that trains collide with each other when they are on the same track. The device aims to automatically stop the train to avoid any kind of accident. 

How does the KAVACK system work to avoid any kind of accident?

The Kavach system comprises a set of electronic and RFID devices that are installed in various parts of the railway system such as locomotives, tracks, railway signaling systems, and stations at regular intervals of a kilo meter each.  

Currently, the system utilises ultra-high radio frequencies for communication between its components, but efforts are underway to develop a 4G LTE-based system.

In instances where a loco pilot jumps a signal, known as Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) the system alerts the loco pilot and can automatically take control of the brakes, and stop the train if it detects another training on the same line within a specified distance.

Furthermore, the Kavach device continuously monitors the movement of trains and transmits signals ahead to the locomotives. This feature is particularly beneficial during adverse weather conditions like fog, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents.

What is the significance of the KAVACH System?

  • Prevent accidents: The system will prevent the collision of the trains on the same route. It removes the element of human error by taking automatic control in instances of  Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) which is  a prime cause of train accidents. 
  1. Improved Response during Adverse Weather: The continuous monitoring and signalling capabilities of Kavach are particularly valuable during adverse weather conditions such as fog. By providing real-time information and alerts, Kavach assists train operations in such challenging situations, minimising the risk of accidents and improving overall safety.
  2. Integration of International Standards: The incorporation of key characteristics from the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the Indian Anti-collision device ensures that Kavach aligns with global safety standards while considering the specific requirements and conditions of the Indian Railways. This integration enhances interoperability and promotes safer train operations.
  3. Indigenous Development: Kavach is an indigenous development by the Indian Railways through the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO). This demonstrates India’s capability to develop advanced technology solutions locally, fostering self-reliance and contributing to the country’s technological growth.

What is the status of the KAVACH system ?

The Kavach automatic protection system has been implemented on 65 locomotives, covering a route of 14,450 km and 134 stations in the South Central Railway zone. The implementation is currently underway for a route spanning 12,000 km. 

In the future, the Kavach system will be upgraded to handle a top speed of 160 mph. This upgrade will precede its implementation on a 30,000 km route, including the New Delhi-Mumbai and Howrah-Delhi main lines, as part of the Mission Raftar project.

To expedite the implementation of the Kavach system, the Union budget of India for the FY 2022-23 has allocated funds specifically for this purpose. The budget has provided resources to accelerate the installation of Kavach on a 20,000 km track. Furthermore, the implementation of the system has been sanctioned for a total of 34,000 km of the Golden Quadrilateral rail route.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-understanding-the-kavach-system/article66930707.ece

plutus ias current affairs eng med 5th June 2023

PRELIMS QUESTIONS

Q.1. KAVACH recently in the news is related to: 

  1.  A device to track the adulteration of milk products.
  2.  An anti-train collision technology developed by railways.
  3.  An anti-missile protection system developed by DRDO. 
  4.  A protection system was installed in the new parliament to prevent any kind of rocket or bomb attack.

Answer: (b)

Q.2 Consider the following statements about Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO): 

  1. It is the Research and Development (R&D) organisation under the Ministry of Railways.
  2. It is headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Railways.  
  3. It is entrusted with the design and development of the KAVACH system and Vande Bharata Express.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

  1.  1 only
  2.  1 and 2 only
  3.  3 only
  4.  1, 2, and 3 only

Answer: (d)

Mains Question

  1. The recent train accident has pointed to the flaws in railway safety standards. What are the initiatives taken by the railways in the recent past to improve the safety of the passengers with special reference to KAVACH technology? 
No Comments

Post A Comment