The Indian Railways has launched an advanced artificial intelligence based surveillance system to monitor freight wagons and detect tampered or unlocked doors in real time. The initiative aims to improve cargo safety and reduce theft during long freight journeys across the country.
The system, called DRISHTI, has been developed by the Northeast Frontier Railway in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation. It uses smart sensors and cameras placed on freight wagons to capture live images and analyse them using machine learning. If the system detects any door tampering or irregular activity, it immediately alerts railway staff for quick action.
Officials said that the new technology will reduce the need for manual inspection and ensure constant monitoring even while the train is moving. The system has already undergone successful testing and is set to be expanded to other railway zones soon.
This move marks a major step in modernising the country’s freight transport system. The Indian Railways plans to adopt more artificial intelligence based tools such as drones and data analytics to strengthen supply chain reliability, improve operational safety and boost public trust in rail cargo transport.
The DRISHTI project reflects India’s growing focus on using technology for better security, efficiency and transparency in one of the world’s largest railway networks.
