Indian Railways has used AI-based systems, speed restrictions, and wildlife deterrence measures to reduce elephant-train collisions on vulnerable railway stretches. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) saved 255 elephants between January and September 2026 across its Alipurduar, Lumding, Tinsukia, and Rangiya divisions.
AI-Based Intrusion Detection System
The Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is an AI-based safety tool used on railway tracks in elephant corridors. It uses Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) technology to detect elephant movement near tracks and sends real-time alerts to loco pilots, station masters, and control rooms.
As of 4 February 2026, the IDS was operational over 141 route kilometres of critical and vulnerable locations identified by the forest department within the Northeast Frontier Railway. Indian Railways has sanctioned IDS works for 1,158 route kilometres at a cost of Rs. 208 crore across NFR, ECOR, SR, NR, SER, NER, WR, and ECR.
Plan Bee and Other Preventive Measures
Plan Bee is a railway-based elephant deterrence system that uses amplified honeybee sounds at vulnerable locations. The system is deployed to discourage elephants from approaching railway tracks in forested and wildlife-rich areas.
- Night-time and temporary speed restrictions are used on selected stretches with elephant movement.
- Enhanced patrolling is carried out in vulnerable railway sections.
- Cautionary signage is installed near identified wildlife corridors.
- Vegetation is cleared near tracks, and underpasses are constructed for wildlife movement.
Gajraj AI and Elephant Corridor Monitoring
Gajraj AI is a monitoring system used on railway stretches to track elephant movement and support safe crossings. As of 13 August 2026, it facilitated nearly 9,500 safe elephant crossings and recorded zero elephant fatalities on the monitored stretch since its operation.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Northeast Frontier Railway operates in India’s north-eastern region, where elephant corridors intersect with railway lines.
- Distributed Acoustic System technology is used for real-time acoustic detection along railway tracks.
- Route kilometres, often written as Rkm, measure railway line length in operational planning.
- Elephant-train collision mitigation in India includes both technological and non-technological measures.
Railway Safety and Wildlife Protection
Elephant-train collision mitigation is part of railway safety management in wildlife-sensitive zones. The measures combine AI alerts, speed regulation, track-side monitoring, and habitat-sensitive infrastructure on railway routes passing through forest areas.
