North Central Railway (NCR) has successfully started the Kavach Version 4.0 system on the 207-kilometer Tundla–Panki Dham section. This indigenous Automatic Train Protection system now allows trains to run at speeds up to 130 kmph safely. The project was completed under the guidance of General Manager Naresh Pal Singh and PCSTE D K Sinha.
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What are the technical details of the Tundla-Panki Dham project?
The installation involved a massive infrastructure setup to ensure the system works without fail. The system was integrated with the Hitachi Electronic Interlocking System and validated by ISA Italcertifier from Italy. To make this operational, the railway team installed thousands of RFID tags and built several communication towers.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Section Length | 207 km |
| Max Speed Support | 130 kmph |
| RFID Tags Installed | Over 4,600 |
| Communication Towers | 17 |
| Stations Covered | 39 (22 S-TCAS and 17 LC-TCAS) |
| Locomotives Commissioned | 10 WAP-7 |
How was the Kavach 4.0 system tested and validated?
The system underwent rigorous testing over 10,000 km to prevent Signal Passed At Danger (SPAD) incidents and avoid collisions. Trial runs were successfully carried out using the Kanpur Shatabdi Express and Sikkim Mahananda Express. With this addition, the total Kavach 4.0 coverage in the North Central Railway zone has reached 652 route kilometers.
Kernex Microsystems (India) Ltd manufactured the system and formally announced the commissioning on July 2, 2026. The company also mentioned that the system is capable of supporting speeds up to 160 kmph, which fits into the future plans for high-speed rail in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the benefit of Kavach 4.0 on the Tundla-Panki Dham route?
It allows trains to operate safely at speeds of 130 kmph and prevents accidents by stopping trains if they pass a signal at danger (SPAD).
Which trains were used for the trial runs of this system?
The trial runs were successfully conducted using the Kanpur Shatabdi Express and Sikkim Mahananda Express.