Innovative Railway Solutions in Wildlife Corridors

To prevent wildlife–train collisions, the Environment Ministry and Railways identified 110 sensitive stretches. They are testing technology-based solutions and implementing targeted mitigation measures, such as ramps, fences, and the AI-based early-warning system, across identified sections. These efforts aim to protect wildlife movements and reduce mortalities.

The Environment Ministry and Railways have joined forces to tackle the persistent issue of wildlife-train collisions in sensitive regions across India. Identifying 110 crucial stretches, efforts are underway to safeguard wildlife such as elephants and tigers from fatal encounters with trains.

Extensive joint field surveys by Project Elephant, the Wildlife Institute of India, and other stakeholders have led to a comprehensive mitigation strategy. This includes site-specific ecological assessments, resulting in prioritizing 77 stretches across 14 states for targeted interventions. A senior ministry official detailed plans for introducing 705 structures like ramps, crossovers, and underpasses to facilitate safe wildlife passages.

Technology also plays a critical role, with the deployment of solutions like the Distributed Acoustic System-based Intrusion Detection System and an AI-based early-warning system. These innovations seek to monitor and alert officials to wildlife movements, allowing timely preventive measures. Such initiatives were discussed at a recent policy workshop aimed at minimizing elephant mortalities on railway tracks.

(With inputs from agencies.)