Konkan Railway Deploys AI System To Detect Landslides, Boulder Falls

Mumbai: To prevent mishaps during monsoon, the Konkan Railway will use artificial intelligence to monitor vulnerable mountain tracks for landslides, boulder falls and tree hazards. The pilot project for this AI-driven monitoring is being implemented at the Dasgaon Tunnel and its adjoining deep cuttings.

The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), in partnership with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), has developed an advanced Artificial Intelligence-based Rail Track Monitoring and Alert System (RTMAS), which uses machine learning and high-speed image processing to immediately detect and alert authorities about track obstructions like soil slips, tree falls and boulder movements.

“The AI project set up, with the help of C-DAC, at Dasgaon tunnel is so sensitive that it immediately provides alert if even a small boulder fallen on the tract or buffaloes cross the track. We are planning to install this system at various landslide-prone sensitive areas on KR route,” said Santosh Kumar Jha, chairman and MD, KRCL. He added that a decade of continuous geo-safety investments has minimized boulder disruptions.

The RTMAS is a cloud-based server solution for monitoring the vulnerable cuttings in KR route for any treefall, boulder fall/soil slip or any other obstruction in the railway track. In this system Robust Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms are used for image processing. Its RailView module installed alongside the railway line, has the provision to incorporate multiple cameras and consists of high-speed image processing and analyzing system.

If an obstruction is detected, it instantly triggers alarm notifications to local railway authorities and track engineers to stop oncoming trains like the high-speed Vande Bharat. This maintains high-performance detection rates (up to 80-90 per cent) even during severe weather or night operations.

“In addition to this, the Konkan Railway has deployed a specialized contingent of 657 field personnel for continuous track patrolling, prioritizing comprehensive checks and high-risk zones. particularly during night hours. Centralized command stations have been set up at Belapur, Ratnagiri, and Madgaon to track regional weather updates live from the India Meteorological Department (IMD),” said Jha.

Massive rockfall protection nets, slope stabilization, cutting lowerings and catch-water drain clearing have been executed at highly vulnerable zones to eradicate the threat of boulder drops.

Self-propelled Accident Relief Medical Vans (ARMVs) alongside heavy Accident Relief Trains (ARTs) are stationed at strategic junctions for rapid emergency deployment. Emergency telephones have been installed along the track at intervals of every 1 to 2 kilometers to bridge communication gaps in low-signal territories.

The Konkan Railway will implement its special Monsoon Timetable annually from June 15 to October 20, reducing train speeds to ensure passenger safety. To preserve safety margins during sudden cloudbursts, maximum operating speeds are capped. Sectional limits drop to 75 Kmph between Vir and Kankavli and 90 Kmph from Kankavli to Udupi.