Indian Railways deploys AI to detect wheel defects and prevent wildlife collisions

Indian Railways has begun implementing AI-powered systems at tracks, trains and stations to address critical safety challenges. The technology focuses on two primary objectives: detecting defects in train wheels before they cause accidents, and identifying potential elephant crossings to prevent fatal collisions between trains and the animals.

The wheel inspection systems use computer vision and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor wheel conditions, enabling early identification of wear, cracks and other structural problems that could lead to derailments or service failures. By catching these defects at preliminary stages, the railways aim to reduce unplanned stoppages and enhance passenger safety.

Wildlife collision prevention represents another major component of the initiative. Elephants and other large animals frequently cross railway tracks in forested regions across India, particularly in states like Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The AI systems help identify high-risk zones and alert operators to potential animal movements, allowing train drivers to reduce speed and take preventive measures.

The deployment reflects Indian Railways' broader modernisation agenda, which seeks to integrate emerging technologies to improve safety metrics and operational efficiency. Railway officials indicate that the system can be scaled across the network as the technology matures and proves its effectiveness in reducing accidents and wildlife fatalities.