Source: IE
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has deployed an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) along key elephant corridors to prevent train–elephant collisions.
About IDS
An AI- and sensor-based surveillance system that uses vibration-sensitive fibre optic cables to detect elephants or other large animals near railway tracks and send instant alerts to control rooms.
- Launched by:
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), under the Ministry of Railways
Aim:
- Reduce elephant fatalities due to train collisions
- Ensure safe train operations
- Integrate technology-driven conservation into railway management
How it Works
- Fibre optic cables detect movement vibrations of elephants or large animals near tracks
- Real-time signals are sent to control rooms and train drivers
- Trains can slow down or stop immediately
- Alerts also help monitor wildlife movement for conservation planning
Key Features
- Coverage: 4 pilot sections across Alipurduar, Lumding, Rangiya, and Tinsukia, covering 64.03 km
- Expansion: Additional 146.4 km by April 2026, totaling 210 km
- Dual Benefit: Protects wildlife while ensuring operational efficiency
- Real-time alerts: Instant communication between sensors and control rooms
- Data Integration: Supports long-term planning for habitat preservation
