Indian Railways is incorporating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence-based inspection systems and drone monitoring to boost safety and efficiency throughout its network. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha about the ongoing deployment and testing of various advanced systems to enhance the national transporter.
Among the technologies highlighted by the minister are the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS), Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD), Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS), Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS), and Overhead Equipment (OHE). The MVIS, an AI and machine learning-based solution, is specifically designed to identify any hanging, loose, or missing components in moving trains.
Indian Railways has already installed three MVIS units in the Northeast Frontier Railway, two in the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited, and one in the South East Central Railway on a trial basis for freight stock. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding has been signed with DFCCIL to introduce four more MVIS units across the network for freight rolling stock.
The Railways is also focusing on developing MVIS technology for rolling stock in collaboration with the industry through the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). Another crucial system, the Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD), has been deployed to detect defective wheels in rolling stock by measuring the impact of wheels on tracks. A total of 24 WILD systems have been installed across the railway network.
Furthermore, the Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS) system, which keeps track of the condition of bearings and wheels, has seen the installation of 25 systems, including one at Sirpur Kaghaznagar in the Secunderabad Division of the South Central Railway. To enhance track inspection, the ITMS has been implemented to identify defects in rails, sleepers, and fastenings using machine learning and image processing techniques.
Indian Railways has also initiated drone-based monitoring of OHE with thermal imaging in the Raipur division on a pilot basis. Additionally, the RDSO is developing TRI-Netra, a system that combines optical and infrared cameras with ranging devices to aid loco pilots in adverse weather conditions. Vaishnaw also mentioned the government’s adoption of a new Rail Tech Policy on February 26 to encourage innovation and the rapid adoption of emerging technologies.
