Indian Railways Implements Advanced AI & Machine Learning Technologies to Enhance Safety and Efficiency
New Delhi, 12 March 2026: Indian Railways (IR) is accelerating its adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to boost operational efficiency and safety across its vast network. The Railway Board and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) have deployed and piloted multiple cutting-edge systems for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational safety.
TRI-Netra: Advanced Vision for Loco Pilots
RDSO is developing the TRI-Netra (Terrain Imaging for Locomotive Drivers - Infra-Red, Enhanced Optical & Ranging Device Assisted) system to assist loco pilots in foggy, rainy, and adverse weather conditions. The system integrates optical cameras, infrared sensors, and radar/lidar technology with AI to provide real-time enhanced vision.
Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS)
The MVIS uses AI/ML to detect hanging, loose, or missing components on moving trains. Currently, three MVIS systems operate in the Northeast Frontier Railway, two in DFCCIL, and one in South East Central Railway. Indian Railways has signed an MoU with DFCCIL to deploy four additional MVIS systems network-wide. RDSO is also developing rolling stock MVIS in collaboration with industry partners.
Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) and Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS)
WILD systems measure wheel impact on tracks to identify defective wheels, with 24 systems installed across Indian Railways. OMRS systems monitor bearing and wheel health, with 25 installations, including a key system at Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar in the South Central Railway division.
Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS)
ITMS deploys AI and image processing to inspect and monitor track components such as rails, sleepers, and fastenings. Currently, three ITMS systems are operational, enabling predictive maintenance, improved reliability of track assets, and operational efficiency.
Drone-Based Thermal Monitoring
Indian Railways is piloting drone-based thermal monitoring of Overhead Equipment (OHE) in Raipur Division. Collaborating with IIT Madras, IR is developing AI-enabled aerial inspection for comprehensive OHE analysis.
Rail Tech Policy and Innovation Portal
To accelerate technology adoption, Indian Railways launched the Rail Tech Policy on 26 February 2026, along with the Rail Tech Portal (railtech.indianrailways.gov.in). The policy enables innovators to submit proposals for prototype development, trials, and scale-up, with funding support on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis.
Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that these initiatives will strengthen Indian Railways’ safety standards, operational efficiency, and technological leadership, while fostering collaboration with startups and industry partners.
Indian Railways’ ongoing AI and ML adoption represents a major step toward smarter, safer, and more reliable railway operations in India.