Indian Railways deploys AI intrusion detection system to prevent elephant deaths
New Delhi: Indian Railways has deployed an AI-based intrusion detection system to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, the government told the Lok Sabha.
In a written reply, Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Railways worked with the Environment Ministry on the initiative. The effort focuses on detecting elephant movement near railway lines in forest areas.
The system uses Distributed Acoustic Sensors and optical fibre cables to track elephant locomotion. It then alerts loco pilots, station masters and control rooms, enabling timely preventive action.
Currently, the system operates over 141 route kilometres in vulnerable stretches of Northeast Frontier Railway. Meanwhile, Indian Railways has sanctioned expansion across several other zones covering more than 1,100 route kilometres.
Intrusion detection system sanctioned across multiple railway zones
The minister said sanctioned corridors span Northeast Frontier, East Coast, Southern, Northern, South Eastern, North Eastern, Western and East Central Railways. Authorities identified these stretches as sensitive to elephant movement.
He added that zonal railways investigate every elephant-train collision with forest officials. As a result, they impose speed restrictions and alert train crews at risk locations. Over the last five years, authorities reported an average of about 16 such incidents annually.
In addition, Indian Railways has taken several preventive steps. These include underpasses, ramps, fencing and warning signage for loco pilots.
Further measures include vegetation clearance near tracks and solar-powered LED lighting in forest areas. The Railways have also deployed elephant trackers engaged by forest departments.
Moreover, honey bee buzzer devices now act as repellents at select crossings. Separately, thermal vision cameras are under trial for night and low-visibility conditions.
Therefore, the minister said, the Railways aim to reduce wildlife fatalities while improving operational safety.
