Indian Railways has sanctioned a major safety project worth ₹193 crore to protect elephants and other wildlife from train collisions. This initiative will focus on the rail stretch from Asanbani to Jharsuguda stations within the Chakradharpur Railway Division. The project aims to prevent tragic animal deaths that have occurred frequently in this forest-rich corridor over the past decade.
What are the key features of this safety project?
The railway administration will install metal beam barriers along 270 kilometers of track to keep elephants and cattle away from the lines. To ensure animals can still cross safely, 11 specialized underpasses will be constructed at identified crossing points. These physical barriers are expected to significantly reduce the risk of accidents while allowing trains to eventually operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
How will AI technology assist in wildlife protection?
- An Artificial Intelligence based Intrusion Detection System is being deployed to monitor animal movement
- Optical fiber cables and AI cameras will alert loco pilots and control rooms in real-time
- KEC International, HBL Engineering, and Kernex Microsystems are involved in providing technical solutions
- The system has been successfully tested in the Chakradharpur division before this full-scale rollout