Indian Railways Deploys AI-Based System to Detect Elephants on Tracks
New Delhi, 23rd December 2025: Indian Railways has deployed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)–enabled Intrusion Detection System (IDS) using Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology to detect the presence of elephants near railway tracks, aiming to reduce wildlife-related train incidents.
The AI-enabled system has been implemented on a 141 route kilometre (RKm) stretch of the Northeast Frontier Railway, a zone identified as vulnerable to elephant movement. Railway officials said the system is operational and generating alerts to support preventive measures during train operations.
Based on its performance, Indian Railways has awarded additional tenders for deployment across 981 RKms on other identified sections of the network. With this expansion, the total coverage of the AI-based IDS will extend to 1,122 route kilometres.
How the System Functions
The system uses Distributed Acoustic System technology to monitor vibrations and movements near railway tracks. When elephant movement is detected, real-time alerts are generated for loco pilots, station masters and control rooms, allowing timely operational responses.
In addition, AI-based cameras provide advance alerts to loco pilots up to 0.5 kilometres ahead, enabling them to take precautionary action while approaching sensitive sections.
Focus on Wildlife Protection
Railway authorities said the deployment forms part of ongoing efforts by Indian Railways to prevent wildlife casualties, particularly involving elephants, through the use of technology-driven monitoring and alert systems in forest and animal corridor areas.
The AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System is being rolled out on identified sections based on vulnerability assessments, with further implementation planned as part of railway safety and wildlife protection initiatives.
