What Is KAWACH Technology Announced In Budget 2022? Railway Minister Explains Anti-Collision Tech

Known as anti-collision device (ACD) network, KAWACH is based on radio communication, microprocessors and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw | File Image

New Delhi: Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday lauded the announcements made by the finance minister while presenting the Budget and shared details about the 2,000 km of the rail network to be brought under the technology of KAWACH.

Vaishnaw said the Budget has set a provision of Rs 1.37 lakh crore of the capital investment support for the Railways which will help in the completion of the stalled Railways projects.

What is KAWACH technology?

"The indigenously-developed anti-collision technology is SIL4 certified which means there is the probability of a single error in 10,000 years," Vaishnaw said.

Known as an anti-collision device (ACD) network, KAWACH is based on radio communication, microprocessors and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The technology will help Indian Railways achieve the goal of 'zero accidents'.

When mounted on two approaching trains, the technology would enable them to assess accurately each other’s course and initiate an ‘automatic’ braking action, in case they were perceived to be on 'collision risk'.

Apart from this, the new Vande Bharat and KAWACH announcement will change the passenger experience. There are funds for the redevelopment and modernization of stations.

In the Budget speech, the Nirmala Sitharaman also announced that 400 new-generation Vande Bharat trains with better energy efficiency and passenger riding experience will be developed and manufactured during the next three years.

These new train sets are going to be made of light-weight aluminum, as opposed to steel, making each around 50 tonnes lighter in weight, consuming much less energy than their steel counterparts, she informed Parliament.

The railways aim to run these trains on at least 75 routes by August 15, 2023, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.

Sitharaman also unveiled plans to develop 100 'PM GatiShakti' Cargo Terminals for multi-modal logistics facilities during the next three years. Contracts for multi-modal parks at four locations will be awarded during the next fiscal, she added.