TheRailway Board has sanctioned Rs 124 crore for automatic block signalling and safety measures for the Gorakhpur-Barabanki route in the Uttar Pradesh budget. This will enable the installation of automatic train protection system (Kavach) technology on the NE Railway's Gorakhpur-Barabanki route.The signal system will be automated from Chapra to Barabanki.

What is Kavach ?

This technology will ensure that two trains on the same track will halt at a safe distance from each other. The technology is so precise that it will prevent any collision between two trains approaching each other at full speed. The train will stop automatically if it crosses the red signal. Moreover, all trains within a five-kilometer radius will be shut down. The shield will also protect the train from behind.

The approval has been given to equip 1440 km of tracks on 10 different routes of North Eastern Railway with Kavach technology. Automatic brakes will be fitted 500 meters before the signal, and the red signal will be crossed by the train with Kavach technology at full speed to test it. This will result in the train stopping automatically 500 meters before the signal and all trains within a five-kilometer radius stopping as well.

The Kavach technology tracks all the actions of the loco pilot such as brakes, horn, throttle handles etc. while operating the train. If the driver makes any error, Kavach will first warn through audio-video. If there is no reaction, the moving train will have automatic brakes. Besides, the train will not be allowed to run faster than the specified section speed. RFID devices in the Kavach will be installed inside the train engine, signal system, railway station. The Kavach system will be powered by GPS, radio frequency etc. technology.