• UGI USER
  • Jun 02, 2024
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‘RAILWAYS TO INSTALL OPTICAL BRE-BASED SYSTEM TO DETECT ELEPHANT CROSSING’

Why in the news?

The Railways will install an optical fiber-based intrusion detection system (IDS) along a 33-km elephant-infested stretch between Kottekkad and Madukkarai to prevent elephant deaths on the tracks.

About the News :

  • New Intrusion Detection System (IDS): The Railways will implement an optical fiber-based IDS along a 33-km stretch between Kottekkad and Madukkarai to prevent elephant deaths on the tracks.
  • First-time Installation in Southern Railway: This is the first time the system will be installed in Southern Railway, following its successful implementation in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
  • Project Details: The ₹15.4 crore project will be executed on a war footing, with completion expected by December, as stated by Palakkad Divisional Railway Manager Arun Kumar Chaturvedi.
  • Cost Considerations: The project is likely to be costlier due to the need to lay optical fiber cables along both sides of the A and B rail lines, effectively covering about 130 km.
  • Functionality of IDS: The optical fiber network will detect the presence of animals through vibrations, sending real-time alerts to the intrusion monitoring cell, stationmasters, and loco pilots.
  • Technology Used: The IDS will rely on acoustics and optics rather than cameras, pinpointing the exact location of encroaching elephants to inform loco pilots and stationmasters.
  • Installation Challenges: Ideally, the cable should be laid about 100 meters wide of the tracks on both sides. However, officials are concerned about the lack of sufficient railway land, which may impact the effectiveness of early warnings.