Vande Bharat Express, traveling at 160 kmph, successfully applies automatic braking in first-ever 'Kavach' trial

Kavach trial: Vande Bharat train traveling at 160 kmph braked automatically during the 'Kavach' system trial on Friday. Indian Railways is installing these essential components across its network to enhance operational safety.

Agra: In an important development direction passenger And security of transitthe Agra Railway Division successfully tested one automatic braking system that was installed on Friday in one of the fastest trains, – Vande Bharat Express. The automatic braking system is part of the domestically developed anti-collision device 'Kavach'. Agra Railway Division PRO Prashasti Srivastava said it was the first ever trial and the locomotive pilot did not brake the train, which was moving at the speed of 160 km/h. “During the very first trial, the locomotive pilot did not brake and yet the train, which was traveling at a speed of 160 kmph, automatically stopped 10 meters before the red signal,” PTI quoted Srivastava as saying.

Kavach system in all Vande Bharat trains

It is worth noting that the Kavach system has been fitted in all Vande Bharat trains. He can brake himself if the locomotive pilot does not do so for some reason.

Kavach cannot work without other components

However, this system requires several components to work properly, such as Kavach station, RFID tags along the entire track length, and Kavach towers installed along the railway lines in order to work properly. In view of this, Indian Railways is installing these essential components across its network to enhance operational safety.

Vande Bharat used in the process

The historic process started around 9.30 am between Mathura and Palwal. The entire exercise was repeated both up and down until 2 p.m. The trial was conducted on an eight-car Vande Bharat Express.

Future Test Plan of Indian Railways

Now, after the successful run, the railways plan to test it on 16-car Vande Bharat trains, Srivastava said.

Kavach network between Mathura and Palwal

It is worth mentioning that the Indian Railways has developed a complete Kavach network between Mathura (excluding the station) and Palwal. It is a route of 80 km long.