Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Apr 5: The South Central Railway (SCR) has exceeded its safety upgrade targets by successfully completing Kavach field trials across 487 route kilometres during the 2025–26 financial year, going beyond the 402 km goal set by the Railway Board.

Kavach, an indigenously developed train protection system, is designed to prevent accidents caused by human error. It can automatically apply brakes if a train crosses a signal at danger and continuously monitors speed and signal compliance to ensure safer operations.

SCR stated that it has placed strong emphasis on safety enhancements, including the rollout of Kavach 4.0 across its network. The successful completion of trials was attributed to careful planning and efficient execution.

In addition to Kavach, the zone has also made significant progress in implementing Automatic Block Signalling (ABS). During the same period, ABS was commissioned over 479 route kilometres—well above the target of 357 km—helping improve line capacity and operational efficiency.

Kavach 4.0 trials were conducted across multiple key sections, including Kazipet–Peddampet, Malkajgiri–Kamareddi, Charlapalli–Raghunathpalli, Guntakal–Raichur, and Mudkhed–Parbhani. Loco-based Kavach systems were also successfully tested in these stretches.

Meanwhile, ABS systems were introduced in high-density corridors such as Kazipet–Balharshah, Vijayawada–Duvvada, and Wadi–Renigunta.

This system enables trains moving in the same direction to operate safely at closer intervals using automated signals, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions while improving speed and capacity.

Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, General Manager of SCR, praised the efforts of the Signal and Telecommunications teams at both zonal and divisional levels for achieving these milestones. He also emphasised that expanding Kavach and ABS systems will remain a top priority in the current financial year to further strengthen railway safety.