Indian Railways develop AI-based software ‘Gajraj’ to avoid collisions

Delhi: Indian Railways has introduced a cutting-edge technology named ‘Gajraj’ to prevent elephant accidents on railway tracks. This new artificial intelligence (AI) software aims to address the issue of elephant fatalities resulting from train accidents. The software, similar to the existing Kavach system, has been specifically developed to mitigate incidents involving elephants.

The Gajraj AI software, developed by Indian Railways, serves as a protective shield to prevent train-related accidents involving elephants. This AI system, spanning 700 kilometers of railway tracks in states like Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Jharkhand, employs artificial intelligence to enhance safety measures for elephants in those regions.

Explaining the functionality, Vaishnaw said, “Using AI and OFC, the software triggers alerts upon detecting any questionable movement within 200 metres of the tracks. Vibrations caused by elephant movement alongside the rails create variations in the optical signals carried by the OFC, signalling a potential threat. The software identifies these signal disruptions as signs of movement, specifically detecting the presence and distinguishing between elephants, other animals, and humans.”

He also highlighted the software’s capability to discern the type of movement and the number of animals present at a given site. Alerts generated by the system reach the locomotive pilot, control room personnel, and the section station master upon detecting any movement.

Across various regions in India, incidents of elephants colliding with trains on railway tracks have been a recurrent and concerning problem. This is especially prevalent in states with high elephant populations. Annually, approximately 20 elephants lose their lives due to accidents on railway tracks. By implementing the Gajraj AI software, Indian Railways aims to proactively prevent accidents involving elephants on railway tracks.