Indian Railways Deploys AI, Smart Systems to Boost Safety

• Railways deploy AI systems for safety monitoring
• Drone inspections, smart track monitoring tested
• Rail Tech Policy supports innovation trials

Indian Railways is increasingly deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-based technologies to improve safety, monitoring and operational performance across its infrastructure.

According to information shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, several advanced systems have been introduced or are under testing to strengthen monitoring of trains, tracks and overhead infrastructure.

Among the technologies deployed is the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS), an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-based system designed to detect hanging, loose or missing components in moving trains. The system has been installed on a pilot basis at three locations in the Northeast Frontier Railway, two locations in the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) network and one location in the South East Central Railway for freight trains. A memorandum of understanding has also been signed between Indian Railways and DFCCIL to install four additional MVIS systems across the network.

Indian Railways has also installed 24 Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) systems to identify defective wheels by measuring the impact of wheels on tracks. In addition, 25 Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS) systems are currently in operation to monitor the condition of bearings and wheels in real time.

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For track inspection, three Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) have been deployed. These systems use machine learning and image-processing techniques to detect defects in track components such as rails, sleepers and fastenings. The data generated by these systems helps railway authorities plan urgent and scheduled maintenance activities.

The railway is also conducting a pilot project involving drone-based thermal monitoring of overhead equipment in the Raipur Division. The technology uses thermal imaging to detect potential issues in electrical infrastructure.

In collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Railways is also developing an AI-enabled drone-based aerial inspection system that will analyse captured data and support predictive maintenance of railway infrastructure.

Another technology under development is TRI-Netra (Terrain Imaging for Locomotive Drivers – Infra-Red, Enhanced Optical and Ranging Device Assisted). Developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, the system will assist locomotive pilots by providing improved visibility during fog, rain and other adverse weather conditions using optical cameras, infrared sensors and radar or LiDAR-based ranging devices.

To support technological innovation, Indian Railways has introduced the Rail Tech Policy, approved on February 26, 2026, along with a dedicated Rail Tech Portal. The policy allows innovators and startups to submit technology proposals and provides cost-sharing support for prototype development and trials.