Kavach 4.0 expands India’s railway safety rollout

Research Analyst: UJVIN NEVATIA (PROPRIETOR: NEVAT INVESTMENTS) | SEBI Registration No.: INH100009628 Indian Railways has commissioned KAVACH 4.0 for the first time on South Central Railway, covering 108 route kilometres between Malkajgiri and Kamareddi. The upgrade moves the system from Version 3.2 to a more advanced automatic train protection platform. What happened? KAVACH 4.0 improves train-positioning accuracy, signal information in larger yards and communication through optical fibre. It can also interface directly with existing electronic interlocking systems. Version 3.2 has already been deployed across 1,465 route kilometres on South Central Railway. Why does it matter? KAVACH is designed to help prevent Signal Passing at Danger, control train speeds and automatically apply brakes when required. The system has SIL-4 safety certification and requires equipment across tracks, stations and locomotives for deployment. My view The wider Kavach rollout also creates an opportunity for companies supplying the technology. Kaynes Technology India Limited (

) is developing onboard electronic units for Kavach and has progressed towards field deployment. With Kavach 4.0 planned for large-scale deployment, the pace of approvals, tenders and order execution will be important for assessing the potential contribution from its railway business. What I am watching next I would track the route kilometres awarded, tender activity, locomotive installations and the pace of KAVACH 4.0 deployment across zones. These will give a better indication of how quickly the technology moves from a successful commissioning to a larger railway infrastructure programme. No Recommendations Source: NDTV Profit Disclosure: I, my entity, associates or relatives don't have any holding, position or other material interest in the companies discussed above.