Indian Railways is increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) based technologies to improve safety, monitoring and operational efficiency across its network.
According to information shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, several advanced systems have been deployed or are being tested to strengthen monitoring of trains, tracks and overhead infrastructure.
Among the key initiatives is the Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS), an AI and ML-based technology designed to detect hanging, loose or missing components in moving trains. The system has been installed on a pilot basis at three locations in Northeast Frontier Railway, two in the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) and one in South East Central Railway for freight trains. A memorandum of understanding has also been signed between Indian Railways and DFCCIL to induct four additional MVIS systems across the railway network.
Indian Railways has also installed 24 Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) systems, which identify defective wheels by measuring the impact of wheels on tracks. In addition, 25 Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock (OMRS) systems are in operation to monitor the health of bearings and wheels of trains in real time.
For track inspection, three Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) have been deployed. These systems use machine learning and image processing to detect defects in track components such as rails, sleepers and fastenings. The data generated helps railway authorities plan both urgent and scheduled maintenance, improving reliability and operational efficiency.
The railways is also piloting drone-based thermal monitoring of overhead equipment in the Raipur Division. The system uses thermal imaging to identify potential issues in electrical infrastructure. In collaboration with IIT Madras, Indian Railways is also developing an AI-enabled drone-based aerial inspection system to analyse captured data and support predictive maintenance.
Another technology under development is TRI-Netra (Terrain Imaging for Locomotive Drivers – Infra-Red, Enhanced Optical and Ranging Device Assisted). Developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the system will assist loco pilots by providing enhanced visibility during foggy, rainy and other adverse weather conditions through optical cameras, infrared sensors and radar or lidar-based ranging devices.
To promote innovation in railway technology, Indian Railways has also introduced the Rail Tech Policy, approved on February 26, 2026, along with a dedicated Rail Tech Portal. The policy aims to support scalable and cost-effective solutions, particularly those based on AI and data-driven technologies.
Under the policy, innovators and startups can submit proposals through the portal, including self-initiated technology solutions. The policy also provides 50:50 cost-sharing between Indian Railways and innovators for prototype development and trials, along with support for extended testing and scaling of successful solutions.
The ministry said the initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and strengthen safety and efficiency across the railway network.
