Project Goal:
Install an optical fibre-based intrusion detection system (IDS) to prevent elephant deaths on train tracks.
Location:
33-km stretch between Kottekkad and Madukkarai (elephant-infested area)
First implementation in Southern Railway (after success in Northeast Frontier Railway)
Project Cost and Timeline:
₹15.4 crore
Expected completion by December 2024 (war footing)
System Functionality:
Laying of optical fibre cable along both sides of railway lines (approx. 130 km)
Detect presence of animals (big and small) through vibrations
Send real-time alerts to:
Intrusion monitoring cell
Stationmasters
Loco pilots
Ability to differentiate between animals and vehicles (deer, jeep example)
No cameras used (relies on acoustics and optics)
Provide exact location of encroaching elephants
Challenges:
Lack of sufficient railway land for ideal cable placement (100 meters from tracks)
Loco pilots might not have enough reaction time if cable is laid closer to tracks (elephants appearing suddenly)
COMMENTS