Prayagraj: North Central Railway is holding successful trials of the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, KAVACH, at a high speed of 160 kmph on the Dadri–Tundla section of the Prayagraj Division.A significant phase of this trial series was completed on Saturday, involving a 20-coach Vande Bharat Express rake. The performance of the system was evaluated under high-speed operating conditions, yielding precise results in speed supervision and automatic braking intervention at 160 kmph.Following successful trials with Vande Bharat rake, the system will now be tested with conventional coach compositions. Detailed trials are scheduled for Feb 16, 17, and 18 using WAP-5 and WAP-7 electric locomotives.The trials are being conducted under an Independent Safety Audit (ISA) in the presence of Italian safety assessment agency, ITALCERTIFER. The testing focused on several critical operational and safety parameters, including Kulwa Loop Line Speed Control Test (automatically controlling the train’s speed within safe limits while entering the station’s loop line), SPAD prevention (preventing ‘Signal Passing at Danger’ incidents), failure scenarios and auto-whistling (an automatic whistling feature at level crossing gates).On successful completion of all necessary tests and approvals, regular operations of KAVACH-equipped trains on this section are planned to commence at the earliest. “The technology will not only prevent accidents caused by human error but also be a milestone in ensuring safe and punctual operation of trains during dense fog and adverse weather conditions,” said Amit Malviya, senior PRO, NCR.
