Gonda Train Accident: The country has witnessed a surge in major railway accidents recently. Another significant accident occurred today, involving the Dibrugarh Express bound for Chandigarh, which derailed in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Reports indicate that 12 to 14 coaches derailed, resulting in numerous injuries and potential fatalities.
Questioning the Kavach System’s Efficacy
A pressing question arises: why did the railway’s Kavach system, designed to prevent such accidents, fail during this incident? This article explores the Kavach system, its functionality, and the reasons for its failure in recent accidents.
What is the Kavach System?
The Kavach system is an automatic train protection system developed by the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) to prevent train accidents. Initiated in 2012, its first trial took place in 2016, and there are plans to implement it nationwide.
How Does the Kavach System Work?
The Kavach system consists of a set of electronic devices designed to stop trains automatically. It employs radio frequency identification (RFID) devices installed at one-kilometer intervals on trains, railway tracks, signals, and stations. The system operates using signals received through ultra-high radio frequency.
- Signal Breach Detection: If a train driver ignores a signal, the Kavach system activates automatically, sending a danger alert to the train pilot.
- Automatic Braking: The system takes control of the train’s brakes, stopping it automatically.
- Collision Avoidance: If another train is detected on the same track, the Kavach system stops the first train, preventing a collision.
Limited Implementation of Kavach
Currently, the Kavach system is not installed nationwide. It covers only 1,465 km of railway routes and 139 engines in the South Central Railway. This limited implementation is a critical factor in its failure to prevent accidents like the ones in Gonda and Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where the system was not present.
While the Kavach system represents a significant advancement in railway safety, its limited deployment has hindered its effectiveness. Expanding its installation across the entire railway network is essential to prevent future accidents and ensure passenger safety.
