The East Coast Railway (ECoR) in Odisha, India, is taking steps to prevent elephant fatalities caused by train collisions. ECoR plans to implement an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) utilizing artificial intelligence and existing optical fibers. This system can identify elephant movement at sensitive locations and corridors, alerting control offices, station masters, and train operators. The AI-based IDS, using acoustic sensing through fiber optics, can detect elephants in real time within a 60 km stretch. The system reduces train speeds near elephant zones and sends alarms to train operators via SMS or internet, potentially saving lives of both elephants and humans. The initiative follows a successful pilot project in the North East Frontier railway.
Prelims pointer
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS): A security technology designed to detect unauthorized access or intrusions in a specific area. In this context, it’s used to prevent train-elephant collisions.
- Elephant Corridors: Designated routes that elephants use to move between habitats. Protecting these corridors is essential to prevent disruptions in elephant migration patterns.
- Fiber Optic Acoustic System: A technology that uses fiber optic cables to detect sounds and vibrations. In this case, it detects elephant movements near train tracks.
- Sambalpur and Khurda Road Divisions: Geographic subdivisions of the East Coast Railway, each responsible for managing specific sections of the railway network.
- Electrocution and Train-Hits: Common causes of elephant fatalities. The IDS system aims to reduce train-related deaths by alerting operators to slow down when elephants are near tracks.