SWR completes key KAVACH trials on Bengaluru routes, sets rollout timeline
South Western Railway (SWR) has successfully completed field trials of the Standard KAVACH Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system on key sections of the Bengaluru Division, marking a step towards improving train safety and operational efficiency, according to railway officials.
The trials and commissioning were completed on the 98-route kilometre (RKM) Tumakuru–Arsikere section on June 30. This was followed by trials on the 8-km Malur–Devanakunti block section on July 1, and the 12-km Mulanur–Kuppam block section on July 4. The latter two sections are part of the 122-RKM Whitefield–Jolarpettai route under the Bengaluru Division.
KAVACH is an indigenously developed ATP system designed to prevent collisions and enhance operational safety. In its standard configuration, the system functions as an electronic watchdog that intervenes during critical situations by preventing Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD), avoiding head-on and rear-end collisions, providing cab signalling, and enforcing maximum permissible speed limits, an official explained.
According to SWR, the commissioning of Standard KAVACH will substantially improve safety on these sections, protecting trains in the event of unusual stoppages within a block section, generating manual SOS alerts to warn approaching trains, and preventing train rollback on gradients.
The Full Supervision (FS) Mode represents the most advanced version of KAVACH. Under this mode, the system continuously monitors and controls train movement, provides real-time movement authority, dynamically calculates braking curves based on train and track conditions, and ensures precise speed regulation. In case of communication failure, the system safely shifts to restricted or limited supervision modes, the official added.
SWR has outlined its immediate expansion plans for the system. Standard KAVACH is scheduled to be implemented on the 159-RKM Yelahanka–Dharmavaram section and the 137-RKM Bengaluru–Mysuru section by July 2026. The 163-RKM Bengaluru–Dharmapuri Junction section is expected to be covered by August 2026.
The zone has adopted a phased approach to implement KAVACH across its entire 3,692-RKM network. Phase 1 covers 1,568 RKM on high-density and critical routes at an estimated cost of ₹628.63 crore. This includes 790 RKM in the Hubballi and Mysuru divisions at a cost of ₹261.88 crore and 778 RKM in the Bengaluru and Mysuru divisions costing ₹253.56 crore. Key routes under this phase include Hubballi–Ballari, Haveri–Hubballi–Londa, Londa–Miraj, Haveri–Arsikere, Arsikere–Yeshwantpur, Baiyappanahalli–Dharmavaram, Bengaluru–Jolarpettai, Bengaluru–Mysuru, and Bengaluru–Yeshwantpur–Dharmapuri.
Phase 2 will extend KAVACH to the remaining 2,124 RKM. This includes 456 RKM in the Bengaluru Division at a cost of ₹270.70 crore, covering sections such as Penukonda–Dharmavaram, Omlur–Dharmapuri and Yelahanka–Bangarapet. The remaining works will cover 862 RKM in the Hubballi Division at ₹459.41 crore and 806 RKM in the Mysuru Division at ₹436.39 crore.
To support the rollout, SWR has also begun equipping locomotives with KAVACH. At the Krishnarajapuram locomotive shed, 133 diesel and 100 electric locomotive sets have been allotted for KAVACH fitment, while the Hubballi shed has allocated 177 diesel and 68 electric locomotive sets for installation.
An SWR official stated that the implementation of KAVACH is expected to significantly enhance railway safety, improve service reliability, increase operational efficiency, and enable smarter train operations, marking another milestone in the zone's journey towards future-ready railway systems.
