Indian Railways has successfully commissioned the indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, Kavach version 4.0, on the Tundla-Panki Dham section. This move makes train operations safer for speeds up to 130 kmph. The official announcement regarding this achievement was made on July 1, 2026.
What are the key technical details of the Tundla-Panki Dham project?
The project covered a 207 km stretch under the North Central Railway (NCR). The system was developed by Kernex and verified by RDSO and ISA Italcertifier. Under the leadership of GM Naresh Pal Singh and PCSTE D.K. Sinha, the railway installed several components to ensure safety.
| Component | Quantity/Detail |
|---|---|
| S-TCAS Stations | 22 |
| LC-TCAS Stations | 17 |
| WAP-7 Locomotives | 10 |
| RFID Tags | 4,600+ |
| Communication Towers | 17 (40 meters) |
| Optical Fiber Cable | 48-core |
| Equipment Rooms | 30 |
How was the Kavach 4.0 system tested and implemented?
The testing involved the Kanpur Shatabdi Express (12033) and Sikkim Mahananda Express (15484), both equipped with Kernex Kavach systems. The integration used EIPC protocol converters to work with Hitachi electronic interlocking. With this addition, the total Kavach 4.0 coverage in North Central Railway reached 652 route kilometers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum speed allowed on the Tundla-Panki Dham section with Kavach 4.0?
The commissioning of Kavach 4.0 allows trains to operate safely at speeds up to 130 kmph on this 207 km section.
Which trains were used for the trial runs of this system?
The Kanpur Shatabdi Express (12033) and Sikkim Mahananda Express (15484) were used for the successful trial operations.