Despite the installation of most components, an AI-driven elephant intrusion detection system along the Palakkad to Madukkarai railway stretch is not yet operational. Originally expected to launch by December 2024, the system is still undergoing trials and certification.
This vital route, which connects Palakkad and Coimbatore, frequently experiences elephant crossings, which pose risks to train safety. The innovative system utilizes distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) to detect elephants on the railway tracks, featuring components like optical fiber and specialized hardware for enhanced monitoring.
Alerts regarding elephant proximity will be sent to loco pilots and station masters, particularly in the Walayar-Kanjikode section near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This aims to facilitate timely interventions to prevent accidents. In addition to this technology, the railway authorities have implemented measures such as speed restrictions, solar fencing, and regular monitoring by the forest department to improve safety on this crucial rail segment.