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NOVA Control Tecnologix (NOVA), a deep-tech subsidiary of e2E Transportation Infrastructure Limited, has announced its launch as India's full-stack rail Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) along with a strategic partnership with Tata Elxsi to co-develop Kavach 4.0, the next-generation indigenous automatic train protection (ATP) system. Under the partnership, NOVA will manage manufacturing, testing and integration, while Tata Elxsi will lead hardware and software design, prototyping, RDSO/SIL4 safety certification and cybersecurity. The initiative aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in railway safety and accelerate nationwide adoption of Kavach 4.0.
NOVA Control Tecnologix, a subsidiary of e2E Transportation Infrastructure Limited, has entered into a partnership with Tata Elxsi to jointly develop Kavach 4.0, the upcoming version of India's automatic train protection (ATP) system. The announcement was made during NOVA's official launch as a full-stack rail Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Bengaluru. The event was attended by Karnataka's IT & BT and Rural Development Minister, who highlighted the state's growing importance in driving engineering and technology-based innovation in the transport sector. Advertisement
The partnership outlines a clear division of roles. NOVA will oversee manufacturing, testing, and integration of Kavach 4.0, while Tata Elxsi will focus on hardware and software design, prototyping, safety certification in line with Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) and SIL4 requirements, and cybersecurity development. Both companies intend to leverage their combined expertise to accelerate the system's deployment and enhance operational safety across the Indian Railways network.
Kavach 4.0 is designed as a more advanced and scalable version of India's indigenous ATP system. It will include three main subsystems stationary, on-board, and a backbone communication network enabling seamless real-time coordination between locomotives and signals. The upgraded version is expected to provide greater interoperability, improved reliability, and expanded route coverage compared to earlier iterations. Previous versions of Kavach had already introduced critical features such as automatic braking when a train exceeded speed limits or passed a signal at danger, reducing collision risks.
NOVA's experience as part of e2E Rail has been crucial in the development of signalling and system integration projects since 2010. With this background, the company has positioned itself as India's only rail OEM with complete in-house capability from design and engineering to production and implementation. This integrated approach is expected to help reduce dependence on imports and shorten project delivery timelines.
During the launch, the Karnataka minister said the collaboration demonstrated how the state continues to lead India's engineering growth and mobility innovation. He expressed confidence that the system under development could help redefine railway safety and establish global benchmarks for smart mobility technology.
Tata Elxsi's Head of Rail and Transportation stated that the collaboration aligns with their long-term focus on developing intelligent, connected and future-ready safety systems for India's rapidly expanding railway network. NOVA's CEO added that their partnership with Tata Elxsi is a step towards advancing the next phase of railway signalling evolution, ensuring scalability, safety and alignment with India's "Make in India" vision.
The initiative also builds upon earlier versions of Kavach deployed by Indian Railways on select routes. Those systems, developed under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" framework, aimed to improve train safety and prevent collisions. Kavach 4.0 now represents the next stage aiming for full-scale integration, higher efficiency and greater adaptability across diverse terrains and traffic conditions.
As part of its broader objective, the partnership will also focus on ensuring that Kavach 4.0 meets international performance and safety benchmarks, while being tailored to the specific operating environment of India's extensive rail network. The companies expect the project to help create a sustainable ecosystem for domestic manufacturing and advanced transportation technology.
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