AI-based elephant intrusion detection system awaits launch

The AI-based elephant intrusion detection system planned for the Palakkad-Madukkarai section is still not operational. Most sensors and communication infrastructure are already in place. Still, the system was expected to be commissioned by December 2024. According to The Times of India, sources said further trials and certification are still needed before launch.

AI-based elephant intrusion detection system on a vulnerable route

Meanwhile, the railway route connecting Palakkad and Coimbatore along the state border is vulnerable to elephant crossings. Under the system, distributed acoustic sensors will be used to detect elephants on the tracks. Also, the setup includes optical fibre, hardware and pre-installed signatures of elephant movement.

In addition, the system is designed to generate alerts about elephant movement near the railway tracks. These alerts are meant for loco pilots, station masters and the control room. At the same time, the Palakkad division is the implementation area. There, alerts are meant for station masters in the Walayar-Kanjikode section on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The system is also designed to send alerts to locomotives of approaching trains. The station master will additionally alert the loco pilot through wireless communication.

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Preventive measures in the Walayar-Kanjikode section

Separately, this stretch is vulnerable because the line passes through a forest. It is also a crucial section of the main line connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu. For example, a large number of trains pass through it every day.

As preventive measures, the Railways imposed:

• speed restrictions
• solar fencing
• lights
• signboards for loco pilots
• AI-assisted cameras
• conventional foot patrolling

Meanwhile, the forest department also issues periodic alerts about elephant herds near the railway line. In addition, its elephant trackers monitor herd movement near the tracks so that additional precautions can be taken.

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