How KAVACH and Artificial Intelligence are strengthening India's rail safety
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency,PIB: Key Highlights KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that assists in both train protection and collision prevention.
• The KAVACH system is currently operational on over 2,200 kilometers of railway tracks.
• KAVACH 4.0 is now operational across more than 1,300 kilometers in five railway zones.
• KAVACH 5.0 is planned for integration as part of the advanced safety and technological infrastructure of Vande Bharat 4.0 trains.
Introduction
Every rail journey is accompanied by the expectation of reaching the destination safely. With increasing train traffic and plans for high-speed rail corridors, Indian Railways is prioritizing safety while ensuring the optimal utilization of its resources. The use of KAVACH and artificial intelligence-based technologies has significantly reduced the number of rail accidents, from 135 in 2014-15 to 11 in the financial year 2025-26 (up to November).
Investment in Rail Safety
Investment in rail safety has consistently increased. Expenditure rose from ₹39,200 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,17,693 crore in 2025-26. This reflects a long-term commitment to making the rail infrastructure safer and more robust.
What is KAVACH?
KAVACH is an automatic train protection system developed by RDSO under the patronage of Indian Railways. It provides signals to the loco pilot inside the cabin and automatically takes action to prevent signal violations, overspeeding, and potential collisions. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safe operations on busy and high-speed rail lines.
Why is KAVACH needed?
Traditional rail signaling systems are susceptible to human error, especially in foggy conditions, bad weather, or at high speeds. The lack of adequate information inside the cabin often led to accidents. To overcome these limitations, an internationally standardized (SIL-4) safety system called Kavach has been introduced.
How Kavach Works
Kavach operates through real-time communication between the trackside system and the locomotive. Using RFID tags and radio communication, it analyzes train location, speed, and route information to determine safe operating limits and applies automatic brakes when necessary.
Advantages of Kavach
Kavach provides a safety system suitable for Indian conditions, including a cabin signaling system for the loco pilot. It is reliable in foggy conditions and at high speeds, and offers centralized train monitoring capabilities.
Kavach's Safety Features
This system enables prevention of SPAD (Signal Passed at Danger), adherence to permanent and temporary speed limits, prevention of all types of train collisions, automatic horn at level crossings, Stop-on-Sight instructions in emergency situations, and live monitoring through a central network management system.
Evolution of Kavach
After pilot implementation in 2016, Kavach 3.2 was approved in 2018-19. In 2020, it was adopted as the national ATP (Automatic Train Protection) system. Through continuous development, Kavach 4.0 was approved in 2024, and Kavach 5.0 is announced for launch in 2025, which will be particularly important for urban rail services.
Implementation Strategy and Progress
Approximately 96% of the railway routes are the busiest. Accordingly, Kavach is being implemented first on these routes, followed by phased expansion to other important routes.
Current Coverage
As of January 2026, Kavach 4.0 has been implemented across 1,306 kilometers and is operational on over 2,200 kilometers of railway tracks overall.
AI and Technology-Driven Safety
Alongside Kavach, artificial intelligence-based wildlife detection, video surveillance, predictive maintenance, digital radio communication, tunnel communication systems, and an extensive optical fiber network are being developed.
Conclusion
With Kavach 4.0, the upcoming Kavach 5.0, and the integration of AI-driven technologies, Indian Railways is building a modern, predictive, and integrated safety framework. This, while ensuring the safety of passengers and staff, is also propelling Indian Railways towards becoming one of the safest and most technologically advanced rail networks in the world.