Tamil Nadu Leverages AI to Prevent Elephant-Train Collisions

In an effort to protect endangered elephants and prevent tragic accidents, Tamil Nadu has launched an innovative AI-based surveillance system along a 7-kilometer stretch of railway tracks in Coimbatore. This initiative marks the first of its kind in the country.

• Problem: Elephants frequently stray onto railway tracks in Coimbatore, leading to collisions with trains and fatalities.
• Solution: An AI-powered system with 12 camera-mounted towers monitors the tracks. Thermal and regular cameras provide 24/7 coverage, detecting elephant movement near or on the tracks.
• How it works: The AI identifies elephants and triggers real-time alerts sent to forest officials and railway staff. This allows them to take immediate action, such as slowing down trains or guiding elephants away from the tracks.
• Expected outcome: This system aims to significantly reduce elephant deaths by providing early warnings and enabling timely interventions.

Additional details:

• The project cost Rs 7.24 crore and covers a "highly vulnerable area" in the Madukkarai forest range.
• This initiative is seen as a potential solution for human-elephant conflict in other parts of India as well.