Indian Railways has commissioned Kavach, an indigenous automatic train protection system, on a 190-km [1] stretch between Prayagraj and Kanpur.
The deployment on this section of the Delhi–Howrah corridor is a critical step in modernizing rail safety. By automating braking and monitoring train positions, the system reduces the risk of human error, a primary cause of rail accidents.
Commissioned in early 2024 [1], Kavach is designed to prevent collisions and allow trains to operate at higher speeds. The railway authority intends for the system to enable operating speeds of up to 160 kmph [2] on the route.
To support the wider rollout of this technology, Indian Railways approved a budget of more than Rs 208 crore [3]. This funding is specifically allocated for the installation of onboard Kavach equipment in 232 locomotives [4].
The system works by providing real-time data to drivers and automatically applying brakes if a train exceeds the permitted speed or fails to stop at a signal. This technology is part of a broader effort to secure the busy Delhi–Howrah corridor, which serves as a vital artery for passenger and freight traffic.
Officials said the system provides a layer of digital security that complements existing signaling infrastructure. By integrating the onboard equipment with trackside sensors, the railway can monitor train movements more precisely across the 190-km [1] Prayagraj–Kanpur section.
“The system reduces the risk of human error, a primary cause of rail accidents.”
The deployment of Kavach represents a shift toward indigenous automation in Indian infrastructure. By reducing the reliance on manual signaling and driver vigilance, the system allows for a simultaneous increase in both safety and transit speed. The scale of the budget and the number of locomotives targeted suggest that the Prayagraj-Kanpur stretch is a proof-of-concept for a larger national rollout across the rail network.
