Why in news?
The Indian Railways plans to deploy a new system called DRISHTI (Dynamic Real‑time Intelligent Surveillance for High‑value Transport Information). Developed jointly by the Northeast Frontier Railway and IIT Guwahati’s Technology Innovation & Development Foundation, the system uses cameras and sensors to check whether doors on freight wagons are properly locked. Trials on pilot routes have shown that DRISHTI can spot tampering in real time and send alerts without stopping trains. This technology aims to reduce theft and improve the security of goods trains.
Background
Conventional freight trains rely on manual inspections to ensure that wagon doors remain sealed during transit. Staff must check each wagon at stations and yards, which is labour‑intensive and prone to errors. DRISHTI addresses this problem by combining computer‑vision cameras with motion sensors that continuously monitor door positions while a train is moving. A software algorithm interprets the images and flags any door that appears open or tampered with. Alerts are relayed to control centres so that action can be taken at the next stop. The prototype was developed under a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024 and was tested for almost ten months on the New Bongaigaon–Guwahati section.
Key features
- Real‑time surveillance: Cameras and sensors mounted on selected wagons monitor door locks continuously and transmit data to a central server.
- Artificial intelligence: Machine‑learning algorithms analyse images to detect unlocked doors or signs of tampering without human intervention.
- Automated alerts: When a potential breach is detected, the system automatically notifies railway staff via a control console, enabling quick response.
- Minimal disruption: DRISHTI operates while trains are in motion and does not require stopping for inspection, thus maintaining the flow of freight traffic.
- Scalable design: The prototype is designed for easy installation across different types of wagons and can be expanded to cover entire freight corridors if trials continue to succeed.
Significance
- Enhanced security: Automated monitoring reduces the risk of theft and vandalism, protecting valuable cargo.
- Reduced manual checks: The system frees railway personnel from repetitive inspections and allows them to focus on other safety tasks.
- Make in India: DRISHTI showcases collaboration between a government railway zone and a domestic research institute, supporting indigenously developed technology.
- Potential for wider use: If successful, similar AI solutions could be applied to passenger trains and other transport systems to monitor doors, brakes and equipment.
Sources: Indian Express, Rail Analysis India