Proactive, technology-driven initiatives by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) have significantly contributed to wildlife conservation, saving over 160 elephants from crossing railway tracks in 2025. Central to these efforts is the Intrusion Detection System (IDS), an advanced AI-based technology leveraging Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) principles to detect elephant movements near railway tracks. The IDS alerts loco pilots and control rooms in real time, facilitating timely preventive actions that enhance operational safety. Currently, the system operates in key sections that traverse elephant corridors, covering 62.7 km of these areas and 131 km of block sections, with ongoing installation efforts expanding coverage across multiple divisions. Upon completion, the IDS is expected to encompass a total of 146.4 km of elephant corridors and a block section length of 413.42 km, establishing a comprehensive safety network.
Additionally, NFR has implemented innovative strategies to further minimize train-elephant interactions. The ‘Plan Bee’ system, featuring amplified honeybee sounds to deter elephants from approaching tracks, is installed at vulnerable level crossings. Collaborations with the Forest Department have resulted in enhanced safety mechanisms, including real-time information sharing, nighttime speed restrictions, temporary speed curbs, training for train crews, cautionary signage installations, and vegetation clearance for improved visibility around the tracks.