North Central Railway (NCR) did successful trials of Automatic Train Protection System KAVACH at 160 kmph on Dadri–Tundla section, of Prayagraj division, NCR on Saturday, February 14,2026.
These trials were done using a 20-coach Vande Bharat rake. The performance of the system was evaluated under high-speed operating conditions, yielding precise results in speed supervision and automatic braking intervention at 160 kmph.
The system will now be tested with conventional coach compositions. Detailed trials are scheduled for February 16, 17, and 18 using WAP-5 and WAP-7 electric locomotives. These trials are being conducted under an Independent Safety Audit (ISA) in the presence of the Italian safety assessment agency, ITALCERTIFER.
The testing focused on several critical operational and safety parameters:
•Loop Line Speed Control Test: Automatically controlling the train’s speed within safe limits while entering the loop line at Kulwa station.
•SPAD Prevention: Verifying the system’s effectiveness in preventing ‘Signal Passing At Danger’ (SPAD) incidents.
•Failure Scenarios: Testing the system’s response under challenging conditions such as station-to-station and loco communication failures, and the absence of RFID tags.
•Auto-Whistling: Evaluating the automatic whistling feature at level crossing gates.
The objective of these comprehensive trials is to ensure highest global safety standards before the full-scale implementation of the system. Upon successful completion of all necessary tests and approvals, NCR plans to commence regular operations of KAVACH-equipped trains on this section. This technology will not only prevent accidents caused by human error but will also ensure the safe and punctual operation of trains during dense fog and adverse weather conditions.
