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The horrific train accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district, which left 14 people dead and 50 injured, emphasizes how crucial it is to put Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) in place. The lack of the native TCAS, known as “Kavach,” on the accident path in this instance highlights the need for improved railway safety precautions.
What is TCAS-Kavach?
Cab Signaling System: Kavach protects the current signaling infrastructure by functioning as a watchful cab signaling train control system with anti-collision features.
Development: The Indian Railways Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) developed the project over a ten-year period beginning in 2012.
Warning Mechanism: If a locomotive pilot ignores a “red signal” and proceeds at a speed that would exceed the signal, the Kavach is intended to sound an alarm. The train will come to a stop when Kavach automatically applies the brakes if the pilot does not reduce the speed below fifteen kilometers per hour.
Deployment of Kavach
Three main elements make up the Kavach setup: radio infrastructure, such as towers and modems at railroad stations, computers, brake interface equipment, and RFID technology installed in the tracks; and RFID readers and computers in locomotives.
Intercommunication: By exchanging signals with one another, these parts are able to monitor train movements in real time and send signals to locomotives. Haze and mountainous terrain are examples of visual interferences that have no effect on their functionality.
Antenna communication: Drivers can see warnings on their monitors thanks to locomotives’ antennas, which are fitted with communication towers at train stations.
Preventing Accidents with Kavach
Testimonial Evidence: The Union Railway Minister’s test ride of the Kavach showed how well it prevents accidents. Kavach engaged the automatic brakes, stopping two trains traveling at high speed on the same track 400 meters shy of a crash.
Human Error: The deceased loco pilot’s “human error” was cited as the cause of the Andhra Pradesh train tragedy. If Kavach had been in operation, the accident might have been prevented by alerting the pilot to the danger of overshooting the red light and applying the emergency brakes.
Cost and Implementation Challenges
Deployment Cost: The Indian Railways must pay ₹50 lakh per kilometer to implement Kavach.
Coverage: Of the 68,000 kilometers of rail tracks in total, Kavach now covers just 1,500 kilometers. Its coverage still has to be expanded, especially on high-density routes, which is a significant problem.
Budget Allocation: The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) fund will provide ₹2,000 crore for Kavach implementation, out of the ₹4,000 crore that the Indian Railways has set aside under the Signalling and Telecom budget.
Slower pace: With just 2,500–3,000 kilometers of installation anticipated year, the restricted allocation might, nevertheless, lead to a more sluggish rate of development.
