Railway safety boost: Indian Railways to use AI and smart robots for track monitoring
Indian Railways is bringing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to make train travel safer. The ministry is deploying smart technology to find track defects before they cause accidents. This move focuses on modernizing how tracks, trains, and overhead wires are monitored across the network.
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What are the new AI tools for track and train safety?
The railways have introduced several systems to catch faults early. The Integrated Track Monitoring Systems use image processing to find broken rails or loose fastenings. For moving trains, the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS) detects hanging or missing parts. There are also Wheel Impact Load Detectors and OMRS systems to check the health of wheels and bearings in real-time.
How are robots and drones being used in railways?
Indian Railways has started using advanced robotics and aerial tools for better security. A humanoid robot named ASC Arjun was deployed at Visakhapatnam station for crowd control and passenger help. In the Raipur Division, drones are being used for thermal monitoring of overhead electrical equipment. Additionally, the DRISHTI system is being tested to find unlocked doors in freight trains.
| Technology | Purpose | Collaborator/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| TRI-Netra | Better visibility for Loco Pilots | RDSO |
| ASC Arjun | Station security and info | East Coast Railway |
| DRISHTI | Freight door monitoring | NFR and IIT Guwahati |
| AI Drones | Aerial inspection | IIT Madras |
| GPR | Sub-surface track monitoring | Indian Railways |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ASC Arjun robot?
ASC Arjun is the first humanoid robot by Indian Railways, deployed at Visakhapatnam station for surveillance, crowd management, and providing passenger information.
How will AI prevent track accidents?
AI-based Integrated Track Monitoring Systems and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) will detect defects in rails and the track base before they lead to failures.