Indian Railways Expands AI System To Prevent Elephant-Train Collisions

Indian Railways has reportedly been extending its use of artificial intelligence to save wildlife and enhance train safety with a plan to bring online an Artificial Intelligence-based (AI) Intrusion Detection System (IDS) on major Ghat sections, including that by Central Railway. The system, used to monitor the movement of elephants near tracks, is currently functioning on 141 route kilometres on the Northeast Frontier Railway and has ‘given encouraging results’.

Elephant-train collisions have been a matter of great concern in forest and wildlife corridor zones, with the Northeast being one such area. With this technology-based solution, Indian Railways is looking to prevent accidents by providing advance warning to the train crew and ensuring that they have time to take protective measures.

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How the AI-Based Intrusion Detection System Works

The Intrusion Detection System includes optical fibre sensing technology integrated with AI algorithms to scrutinise the train vibrations and movement patterns over railway tracks. When large animals like elephants come near the line or onto it, the system can read the activity immediately.

Once detected, real-time alerts are sent to:

- Loco pilots operating trains on that section

- Station masters and nearby control rooms

Such a warning enables the train driver to slow down or stop in time. Meanwhile, station control rooms can guide field workers to keep traffic under control and avoid collisions. With immediate response and stable detection, AI systems can respond more quickly than manual patrolling or visual monitoring, even in the evening or in low-lighting environments.

Major Expansion Planned Across Vulnerable Zones

Extending the launch, Indian Railways has now given tenders to bring IDS to 981 more route kilometres in other parts of India. Priority will be given to wildlife-sensitive areas with a high risk of animal intrusion.

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The expanded network, officials said, will form a technology-based safety barrier the length of railway lines running through forests and elephant corridors. Alongside real-time alerts, the system also provides organised data to railway officials to better study patterns and manage train movement effectively around wildlife zones.

Part of a Larger Push for Smart Railway Safety

The AI-powered IDS is a component of Indian Railways' larger drive to embrace cutting-edge, technology-based safety solutions. It supports and fits in well with predictive maintenance, new signalling systems, or AII-based monitoring of trackside infrastructure.

In adopting a predictive, data-based approach to safety management, the Indian Railways seeks to tackle perennial issues related to elephant–train collisions and also enhance passenger safety. The broader application of IDS represents a transformation from conventional reactive actions to preventive/proactive ones that could benefit both wildlife conservation and the railway industry.