The extensive network of Indian Railways traverses dense forests, which serve as habitats for various wild species. In many states, railway lines that pass through elephant habitats have resulted in numerous accidents, leading to the deaths of elephants and other animals.
Indian Railways has expressed its commitment to the protection of elephants and other wildlife. Several protective measures have been implemented to address this issue.
One innovative measure is the development of an AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that detects the presence of elephants on railway tracks using Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS). This system alerts loco pilots, station masters, and the Control Room about the movement of elephants in proximity to the tracks, allowing for timely preventive action.
Currently, the IDS is operational over 141 route kilometers (Rkm) at critical and vulnerable locations identified by the forest department in the Northeast Frontier Railway. This device has proven to be effective in safeguarding elephants.
Works for the IDS have been sanctioned for identified corridors totaling 1,158 Rkm at a cost of Rs. 208 Crore, covering multiple railway zones including NFR, ECOR, SR, NR, SER, NER, WR, and ECR. Installation of this system is underway in ECOR (349.4 Rkm), SR (55.85 Rkm), and NER (36 Rkm).
In the event of an incident involving an elephant and a train, Zonal Railways investigate the matter in close coordination with the forest department and take immediate steps. These measures include imposing suitable speed restrictions at identified locations and alerting train crews and station masters. Regular meetings with concerned forest officials are held to update and sensitize train crews.
Other key measures taken by the Railways to protect elephants and other wildlife include:
Construction of underpasses and ramps for the movement of elephants at identified locations.
Provision of fencing along the tracks.
Installation of signage boards at all identified elephant corridors to pre-warn loco pilots.
Clearance of vegetation and edible items surrounding the track within railway land.
Installation of LED lights with a solar system in forest areas.
Deployment of elephant trackers engaged by the Forest Department to alert station masters and loco pilots.
Installation of innovative Honey Bee Buzzer devices at level crossings, which create sounds that act as a repellent to keep elephants away from railway tracks.
Use of thermal vision cameras to detect the presence of wild animals on straight tracks during night or poor visibility, alerting loco pilots of their presence.
As a result of these measures, elephant deaths have decreased from 26 in 2013 to only 12 in 2024, marking a reduction of more than 50%.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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