Thiruvananthapuram: A new AI-based intrusion detection system that can detect elephants 30-40m away from the tracks and trigger an audio/visual alarm for loco pilots and station masters at the Walayar-Kanjikode section near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to eliminate accidents is likely to be completed by end of the year. Southern Railway general manager R N Singh said at the Independence Day programme that the project is being implemented as part of a slew of safety work taken up in the zone. The Walayar-Kanjikode stretch is part of the Palghat-Madukkarai route, where the system is being installed at Rs15.
45cr. The work, which is being taken up at the zonal level, is expected to be completed by Dec. The Walayar-Kanjikode stretch is considered to be vulnerable for the presence of elephants as the line passes through a forest area.
The move comes after the 60km Palakkad-Madukkarai section has frequently reported instances of wild elephants crossing railway tracks , leading to safety concerns. Despite several measures such as restricted train speeds at night, AI-assisted cameras, solar fencing, and lighting, incidents of elephant trespassing, and the danger of it being hit by a passing train continue. These incidents not only pose a threat to wildlife but also lead to train derailments, human fatalities, and operational disruptions, said a railway official.
The elephant intrusion detection system uses optical fibre cable-based distributed acoustic sensing combined with AI. It works based on changes in laser pulses in the optical fibre when elephants move. The typical movement pattern and weight of the animal are mapped in the system.
It will also help Railways detect rail fractures, trespassing, unauthorised digging, and landslides and can prevent derailments and protect wildlife. The route already has speed restrictions and patrolling by staff in association with the forest department. The system is being used successfully in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
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