Mumbai: Western Railway is set to equip all Mumbai suburban local trains with the indigenous anti-collision system, Kavach, by the end of next year. Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Kavach is already being deployed on key trunk routes like Delhi-Mumbai and is now being expanded to cover suburban corridors.
According to WR, this indigenously designed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system is set to replace the existing Auxiliary Warning System (AWS) currently used on board. Kavach will automatically regulate train speed, prevent collisions, and ensure safer operations, even in cases where human error might occur.
Kavach to Replace AWS in Mumbai Suburban Trains
Western Railway, which operates over 1,400 suburban services daily across the Churchgate-Virar-Dahanu corridor with 110 rakes and serves more than 30 lakh passengers every day, is prioritizing this upgrade to strengthen operational safety.
AWS Lacks Automation, Kavach Offers Real-Time Safety Interventions
Currently Auxiliary Warning System ( AWS) provides an audible warning to alert drivers ( motorman / Moter women) about upcoming signals and includes features like speed monitoring and braking assistance. An alarm in the motorman’s cab prompts a response within four seconds—failure to do so results in automatic brake application.
However, officials have noted that AWS falls short in preventing incidents such as Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) and accidental signal violations due to its reliance on manual intervention and limited automation.
In contrast, Kavach introduces a much higher degree of automation and safety. It enables real-time communication between trains and signalling infrastructure, significantly reducing the scope for human error. The system automatically applies brakes if a train attempts to pass a red signal and ensures constant speed monitoring.
Additional features include in-cab signalling for better visibility during low-light or foggy conditions, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and safeguards against both head-on and rear-end collisions. Kavach also facilitates quicker emergency response and more efficient train operations.
"Work on integrating Kavach into suburban locals has already begun. Western Railway plans to install the system on its entire suburban fleet, as well as on mainline locomotives, by the end of next year. This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing safety and collision prevention in Mumbai’s high-density suburban network" said an official.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Section to be Commissioned with Kavach by FY26
Currently, plans are in place to implement Kavach across over 2,358 route kilometres within Western Railway. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad section is expected to be commissioned with Kavach by the end of the ongoing fiscal year.
Officials emphasize that the deployment of Kavach will not only boost safety standards but also improve operational efficiency, offering passengers a more secure and reliable travel experience.
