First Kavach-Equipped Locomotive Flagged Off from DLS Visakhapatnam
Rayagada/VSKP — In a major step towards enhancing railway safety, the first freight locomotive (WAG9HC) of East Coast Railway equipped with the indigenous KAVACH Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) was flagged off today from Diesel Loco Shed (DLS), Visakhapatnam. The locomotive was formally launched by Divisional Railway Manager, Waltair, Shri Lalit Bohra, in the august presence of Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (Diesel) Shri M.K. Sahoo and other senior officials.
KAVACH, a state-of-the-art safety innovation developed in India, is designed to prevent train collisions by providing real-time signal information directly to loco pilots inside the cab. It works by exchanging data between station interlocking systems and locomotives through a secure wireless network, while RFID tags installed along the tracks ensure accurate locomotive positioning.
The Diesel Loco Shed, Visakhapatnam, has received 123 KAVACH units under Phase-1 commissioning. To facilitate system testing, a dedicated “station kavach” and a 500-meter-long test track have also been set up within the shed premises.
KAVACH provides automatic protection against head-on collisions and signal-related accidents. With features such as real-time data transmission, interlocking support, and automatic braking, the system ensures strict adherence to safety standards and empowers loco pilots with timely information.
The introduction of KAVACH-equipped locomotives marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize train operations and strengthen passenger and freight safety.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
