Guwahati: A timely intervention by vigilant loco pilots and advanced technology saved a herd of elephants from a potential collision with a train in Assam.
On Wednesday (October 16), the driver and assistant driver of the 15959 Kamrup Express noticed a group of elephants crossing the tracks between Habaipur and Lamsakhang stations. The train was going from Guwahati towards Lumding.
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They immediately applied the emergency brakes, preventing a tragic accident.
An AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) also played a crucial role in alerting the crew. The system, which uses optical fibers to detect animal movements, has proven to be highly effective in safeguarding wildlife, NF Railway said in a statement.
NF Railway plans to expand the IDS to all elephant corridors in the region, the statement added.
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Beyond the IDS, NF Railway has implemented various measures to protect elephants, including clearing vegetation near tracks and collaborating with the Forest Department.
These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in elephant-train collisions.
In 2023, NFR successfully saved 414 elephants, and as of October 16, 2024, the number had risen to 383.