Indian Railways deploys AI-driven IDS to prevent wildlife collisions and enhance safety near railway tracks.
Indian Railways, in partnership with RailTel Corporation, has introduced an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to prevent wildlife collisions and address environmental concerns. Powered by AI and fiber-optic sensors, the IDS monitors wildlife movements up to 60 km, generating real-time alerts for station masters, train drivers, and control centers.
Using advanced acoustic sensors, the system detects vibrations from animal movements and provides alerts 30–40 minutes in advance, allowing timely interventions. Initially piloted in Assam and West Bengal, the IDS has proven effective, prompting plans for wider deployment across elephant corridors under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
Beyond wildlife protection, the system detects rail fractures, landslides, and unauthorised digging, enhancing disaster response capabilities. With India hosting over 27,000 elephants, this initiative is crucial for reducing accidents and human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in regions like Assam, which saw 118 human deaths from elephant encounters last year.
Authorities view AI-driven solutions as essential for balancing conservation efforts with railway expansion, ensuring sustainable development and ecological stability.
