Could Kavach Technology Prevent Kanchenjunga Train Accident?

The reason behind the collision of the train accident is still unknown. But what we know is the lack of “Kavach” technology in the trains, which if present might have prevented this accident from happening thus saving precious lives. A total of 9 deaths have been registered and over 50 were injured in the train accident that took place in Darjeeling. Coaches on the Kanchanjunga Express, which was traveling towards Kolkata, were derailed and in some cases sent flying after they were struck from behind by a goods train.

"It is possible that this accident may have been prevented if Kavach had been used," former Railway Board Executive Director Prempal Sharma said to a media channel.

Following today's accident, an old video of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw describing the Kavach system went viral on social media, with questions on why this technology was not present in the trains. According to officials, the Kavach system is yet to be installed in the majority of the rail network. 

What is the Viral Video?

In the viral video, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw can be seen describing the Kavach system. The original video was posted from the official Twitter handle of South Central Railway in the year 2022. 

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw @AshwiniVaishnaw
Hon'ble Railway Minister briefs during live testing of #kavach automatic train protection technology in Lingampalli - Vikarabad section, South Central Railway #NationalSafetyDay @RailMinIndia @drmsecunderabad pic.twitter.com/jtW5EXECm3

— South Central Railway (@SCRailwayIndia) March 4, 2022

What is “Kavach” System? 

Indian Railways created the Kavach automatic train protection system to improve train safety for passengers. The Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO), along with three Indian manufacturers, created it indigenously. 

Kavach aids in the operation of trains in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy fog. In addition to regulating train speed, the security system assists locomotive drivers in avoiding missing any warning signals and ensuring smooth operation of trains, particularly in low-visibility situations. It is anticipated that this technology will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of train operations in India.

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Important Features of Kavach System

The indigenously built Kavach system has many important features that can help prevent train accidents, even in adverse weather conditions.

• Automatic braking system if the loco pilot forgets to do so.
• On Board Display of Signal Aspect (OBDSA) feature helps loco pilots see signals even in adverse weather conditions.
• Upon approaching a "red signal," the safety system alerts the loco pilot and engages the brakes automatically if necessary.
• Send continuous movement updates to the concerned authority.
• Automatic whistling system at gates for level crossing.
• Direct communication between locos to prevent collisions.
• In the event of an accident, the SOS feature will control neighboring trains.

Why was the System Missing Today

“The Railways plans to deploy the safety system on the Delhi-Guwahati route under its goal to cover over 6,000 km of tracks by next year. Bengal falls within the 3,000 km of tracks set to be protected by Kavach this year. The system will be applied to the Delhi-Howrah route," said Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman of Railway Board on the lack of Kavach System in Darjeeling train accident. 

According to reports, Indian Railways invited bids for 10,000 kilometers of Kavach system on railroads. A 6,000-kilometer Kavach System tender was released for the South Central Zone of Indian Railways, of which implementation on 1,465 route kilometers and 139 locomotives, including Electric Multiple Unit rakes, have been completed.

The central government seeks to cover around 34,000 kilometers of rail network, with plans to bring 2,000 km under Kavach in the financial year 2022–2023. Approximately Rs 16.88 crore has been spent on the development of Kavach.

Indian Railways is the fourth largest railway network in the world, overseeing more than 68,000 kilometers of railroads.

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