Indian Economy News

Indian Railways Deploys Advanced AI & Machine Learning Devices to Enhance Safety and its Operational Efficiency by Adopting Smart Monitoring

Indian Railways is progressively deploying advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance across its vast network. The Ministry of Railways informed Parliament that several smart monitoring systems are being introduced to identify faults in rolling stock and track infrastructure in real time. Among these innovations, the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS) uses AI-enabled cameras to detect hanging, loose, or missing components in moving trains. Currently, three MVIS systems are operational in Northeast Frontier Railway, two in Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), and one in Southeast Central Railway on a pilot basis. Additionally, 24 Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) systems have been installed to detect defective wheels, while 25 Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS) systems monitor the condition of bearings and wheels to prevent potential failures.

To further strengthen track and infrastructure monitoring, Indian Railways has deployed three Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) that use machine learning and image processing to identify defects in rails, sleepers, and fastening components. The data generated helps authorities plan preventive maintenance and improve reliability of track assets. In addition, drone-based thermal monitoring of overhead equipment has been piloted in the Raipur division, with AI-enabled aerial inspection being developed in collaboration with IIT Madras. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is also developing TRI-Netra, a vision enhancement system that combines optical and infrared cameras with radar or LiDAR to assist loco pilots during fog and adverse weather. To accelerate the adoption of such innovations, Indian Railways has introduced a Rail Tech Policy and launched a dedicated portal to support startups and innovators through collaborative development and trial funding. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.