KAVACH

TOPIC: Science & Tech

Context- Kavach, the Indian technology that can prevent two trains from colliding.

Concept-

What is Kavach?

It is India’s very own automatic protection system in development since 2012, under the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
The technology uses micro processors, global positioning system and radio communication.
It is a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification devices installed in locomotives, in the signalling system as well the tracks, that talk to each other using ultra high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them.
It is able to send out triggers when a loco pilot jumps signal, called Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD), making it useful for loco pilots in low visibility, especially during dense fog.
TCAS or Kavach includes the key elements from systems like the European Train Protection and Warning System, and the indigenous Anti Collision Device.
Once rolled out, it may be world’s cheapest Automatic Train Protection System
So far, Kavach has been deployed on over 1,098 km and 65 locomotives in ongoing projects of the South Central Railway. In future it will be implemented on 3000 km of the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors.