Indian Railways Deploys AI Systems to Prevent Wildlife Deaths

Indian Railways has strengthened its Artificial Intelligence-based safety framework to protect wildlife on railway tracks, particularly in forest and elephant corridor regions. The enhanced system aims to reduce collisions involving elephants, lions and tigers by providing advance alerts to train crews, marking a significant step in integrating technology with wildlife conservation.

AI-Based Alerts for Loco Pilots

Indian Railways has deployed AI-enabled cameras along vulnerable track sections to detect the presence of large animals. These systems alert loco pilots nearly 500 metres in advance, allowing sufficient time to slow down or halt trains. The initiative is designed to minimise accidents involving wildlife while ensuring safer train operations in ecologically sensitive zones.

Intrusion Detection Using Distributed Acoustic System

A key component of the initiative is the AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System based on a Distributed Acoustic System. This technology detects vibrations and movements associated with elephants near tracks. The system has been successfully implemented across 141 route kilometres under the Northeast Frontier Railway, a region prone to frequent elephant movement and past train-animal collisions.

Expansion Across Indian Railways Network

Encouraged by its performance, Indian Railways has awarded additional tenders to extend the system over 981 more route kilometres. With this expansion, total coverage will increase to 1,122 route kilometres across the network. The system generates real-time alerts for loco pilots, station masters and control rooms, enabling coordinated and timely preventive action.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Indian Railways is using AI-based systems to prevent wildlife-train collisions.
• The Distributed Acoustic System detects elephant movement near tracks.
• The system is operational on Northeast Frontier Railway routes.
• Total planned coverage is 1,122 route kilometres.

Balancing Infrastructure and Wildlife Conservation

The initiative reflects Indian Railways’ broader effort to balance infrastructure expansion with environmental responsibility. By leveraging AI and real-time monitoring, the Indian Railways aims to protect endangered wildlife, reduce human-animal conflict, and promote sustainable rail operations in forested and biodiversity-rich regions.