SWR Completes Kavach Anti-Collision Trials On Whitefield-Jolarpettai Route

South Western Railway (SWR) has successfully completed the first field trials of the indigenous 'Kavach' Automatic Train Protection (ATP) anti-collision system on the Mulanur-Kuppam stretch of the Whitefield-Jolarpettai route and other key sections. The successful tests mark the beginning of a phased rollout of the safety technology across SWR's 3,692-route kilometre (RKM) network in Karnataka to prevent train collisions and minimize accidents caused by human error.

In addition to the 12.9-RKM Mulanur-Kuppam stretch on the Whitefield line, SWR completed trials and commissioning at the Malur and Devangonthi railway stations (covering 12.15 RKM) and along the 96-RKM Tumakuru-Arsikere section.

The Kavach system is designed to eliminate collisions caused by signal overshooting, communication failures, or pilot error. If two trains approach each other on the same track, or if a train passes a danger signal, the system immediately alerts the locomotive pilot inside the cabin. If the pilot fails to respond, Kavach automatically applies the brakes to safely stop the train. The technology also protects trains at track-changing points and functions during communication failures.

SWR officials are now preparing to complete upcoming installations on the Yelahanka-Dharmavaram route (161 RKM) and the Bengaluru-Mysuru line (137 RKM) by the end of July. The Bengaluru-Dharmapuri Junction section (152 RKM) is expected to be equipped with the system by the end of August.

The railway zone has earmarked an estimated Rs 1,794.5 crore for the implementation, representing a major investment in regional railway safety infrastructure.

To ensure compatibility, installation work is underway at local locomotive sheds. Kavach will be fitted on 133 diesel locomotive sets and 100 electric locomotive sets at the Krishnarajapuram shed in Bengaluru. Additionally, 177 diesel and 68 electric locomotive sets will be upgraded at the Hubballi locomotive shed.

The rollout will occur in two phases. The first phase covers 1,568 RKM, including the Bengaluru-Jolarpettai, Bengaluru-Mysuru, and Hubballi-Ballari routes. The second phase will extend the technology across another 2,124 RKM, covering sections such as Yelahanka-Bangarpet and remaining routes under the Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Mysuru divisions.