Western Railway to equip Mumbai locals with Kavach: Indigenous system to replace AWS; all 1,400 suburban trains to be covered by next year

The Western Railway is planning to install Kavach, an indigenous anti-collision system, on its Mumbai local trains by late next year, enhancing safety for millions of commuters on one of the world's busiest suburban networks.Kavach, developed as part of the 'Make in India' programme, is an advanced electronic system currently being deployed on the Delhi-Mumbai corridor and other main routes.This domestically engineered Automatic Train Protection system will supersede the current Auxiliary Warning System. The new system will automatically regulate train speeds, prevent accidents, and maintain safe operations despite potential human errors, according to officials on Sunday, reported news agency PTI.Also read: PM Modi to inaugurate Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line– all you need to know about the projectThe Western Railway operates over 1,400 suburban services daily between Churchgate-Virar-Dahanu, utilising 110 electrical multiple units and serving more than 30 lakh passengers daily.The existing AWS provides audio alerts to drivers about upcoming signals, whilst monitoring speed and assisting with braking, as explained by an official. "The AWS panel in the motorman's cab has an alarm, a vigilance button, and red, yellow, or blue lights.

If the alarm sounds, the motorman must press the button within four seconds, or the brakes will activate and stay locked until the train stops completely," he said.Railway officials note that AWS has limitations in preventing crucial safety incidents like Signal Passed at Danger and signal jumping.They indicate that its restricted automation and dependence on manual intervention reduces its capability to prevent potential accidents.Officials confirmed that Kavach surpasses AWS with its sophisticated features designed for collision prevention, train movement management and signal system compliance.The technology enables constant communication between trains and signal stations, minimising human error whilst improving operational performance.The system includes automatic braking for red signal violations, works with existing signal infrastructure, and provides in-cab signalling for safe operation in poor visibility conditions.Additional Kavach capabilities include prevention of rear-end and head-on collisions, continuous speed monitoring, and quick emergency response activation. "Work has begun on the transition to Kavach. All suburban locals on Western Railway will be equipped with Kavach in addition to mainline locomotives by the end of next year. This step marks a significant improvement in onboard safety and collision prevention," a senior WR official confirmed.The system continuously monitors train movements, verifies against speed restrictions and signal indicators, automatically engaging brakes when necessary.Western Railway plans to implement Kavach across 2,358 route kilometres by 2025, with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad section scheduled for completion this fiscal year. "Kavach is poised to significantly improve railway signalling systems and ensure enhanced passenger safety. Deployment of Kavach will not only enhance security in the service but also aid efficiency," Western Railway chief public relations officer Vineet Abhishek told PTI.Officials indicated that additional routes would follow subsequently.