In a significant step toward leveraging technology for improved safety, Indian Railways has unveiled plans to deploy an AI-based freight monitoring system named ‘DRISHTI’. This system is designed to detect unlocked or tampered wagon doors on moving freight trains, addressing a major safety and security challenge in India’s vast freight network. Updated On: 09 November 2025, this initiative marks a major leap in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for railway safety and operational efficiency.
Why Is Indian Railways Adopting AI-Based Technology?
The Indian Railways operates one of the world’s largest freight transport systems, carrying millions of tonnes of goods across thousands of kilometers daily. Ensuring wagon safety and lock integrity has been a persistent challenge, especially under dynamic conditions where manual checks are inefficient and time-consuming.
To solve this issue, the Railways is implementing an AI-based Locking Monitoring System called DRISHTI, which will automate the detection process and significantly reduce the reliance on manual inspection.
Key objectives include:
- Enhancing freight safety and security during transit.
- Detecting tampering or unlocked doors in real-time.
- Reducing human error and manual labor in long-haul freight operations.
- Enabling data-driven decision-making through real-time alerts and analytics.
About the DRISHTI AI Monitoring System
DRISHTI (Dynamic Rail Intelligent Surveillance for Handling and Tracking Integrity) is an indigenous AI-based Locking Monitoring System developed to monitor the door lock conditions of freight wagons. The system integrates AI cameras, sensors, and machine vision algorithms to provide real-time status updates on wagon doors.
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), DRISHTI has been under successful prototype trials for ten months on selected wagons. Early results have shown high accuracy in identifying tampering and lock malfunctions.
Who Developed the DRISHTI AI System?
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (IITG TIDF) to develop DRISHTI. This partnership combines the Railways’ operational expertise with IIT Guwahati’s cutting-edge research in computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
The system has been designed to be scalable and adaptable across various freight rakes and conditions. Once fully deployed, it is expected to enhance transparency, reliability, and technological assurance in freight management.
Key Features of DRISHTI AI-Based Freight Monitoring System
The DRISHTI system leverages a combination of AI algorithms, high-resolution imaging, and real-time analytics to monitor and report anomalies in wagon door locks.
Main Features Include:
- Real-Time Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of door lock positions during train movement.
- Automated Alerts: Immediate notifications for any tampering, damage, or unlocked doors.
- High Accuracy Detection: Advanced computer vision algorithms trained to identify door irregularities.
- Reduced Manual Checks: Replaces time-consuming physical inspections with AI-based automation.
- Scalable Design: Suitable for deployment across all freight networks under Indian Railways.
- Data Integration: Uses a centralized system for recording lock status, enhancing traceability.
As per NFR, “Such a system can provide real-time status updates on door lock conditions, detect abnormal events or tampering during transit, and issue automated data-driven alerts without affecting normal train operations.”
Advantages of Using AI in Freight Train Safety
The integration of AI-based systems like DRISHTI represents a major modernization step for Indian Railways.
Key Benefits Include:
- Improved Safety: Prevents cargo theft and accidents caused by unsecured wagon doors.
- Operational Efficiency: Minimizes manual inspection time and reduces manpower requirements.
- Enhanced Reliability: Consistent real-time monitoring leads to proactive maintenance and intervention.
- Transparency & Accountability: Digital data logs ensure greater control and traceability.
- Energy & Cost Efficiency: AI-enabled systems reduce operational costs and inspection delays.
Prototype Trial Results and Future Plans
Preliminary results from DRISHTI’s pilot phase have been encouraging. The AI cameras and sensors demonstrated high detection accuracy for door lock tampering, even under low-light and high-speed conditions.
Following successful trials, Indian Railways plans to expand deployment across the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, followed by nationwide implementation.
According to official sources, “Further refinements and scalability plans are underway for wider application across the NFR network to strengthen rolling stock safety and operational reliability.”
The launch of DRISHTI, the AI-based door lock monitoring system, represents a transformative step for Indian Railways’ freight safety and modernization. Developed in collaboration with IIT Guwahati, the system blends AI innovation with operational precision to enhance freight train reliability and security. As India’s logistics sector grows, such technologies will play a crucial role in achieving the Railways’ vision of automation and zero-error safety.
For official updates and rollout information, visit indianrailways.gov.in or the Northeast Frontier Railway portal. Bookmark this page for continuous coverage of India’s AI-driven railway advancements.
