Kavach 5.0: Union Railway Ministry has recently announced the launch of Kavach 5.0 to upgrade Mumbai’s suburban train network.

• About Kavach 5.0: Indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

o Development: Designed by RDSO (Research Design and Standards Organisation) in collaboration with Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, HBL Power Systems Ltd, and Kernex Microsystems.

o Technology: Comprises electronic devices and RFID installed in locomotives, signalling systems, and tracks.

o Communication: Devices communicate using ultra-high radio frequencies to coordinate braking and driver alerts.

• Applications of Kavach System:

o Speed Regulation: Assists loco pilots in maintaining specified speed limits by automatically applying brakes if the pilot fails.

o Collision Prevention: Automatically stops the train if another train is detected on the same track within a defined distance.

o Signal Safety: Helps prevent Signal Passing At Danger (SPAD) and overspeeding.

o Signal Relay: Continuously relays upcoming signals to the locomotive, aiding in low-visibility conditions.

o Weather Assistance: Enhances train operations during inclement weather, like dense fog.

o Capacity Boost: Reduces the gap between trains by 30%, allowing 30% more trains and improved commuter frequency.

o Field Testing: Conducted on passenger trains since 2016 by Indian Railways.