Indian Railways has initiated a pilot project deploying drone technology to monitor and detect uneven loading in freight trains. This innovative approach aims to address one of the primary causes of freight train derailments, ensuring safer and more reliable transportation of goods across the country.
The Ministry of Railways has directed three key zones—South Eastern Railway (SER), South East Central Railway (SECR), and South Western Railway (SWR)—to procure drones on a contractual basis for this pilot project. The selected zones will utilize drones equipped with advanced imaging and analytics capabilities to conduct real-time surveillance of freight loading operations at various terminals. According to a letter dated June 10, the ministry emphasized the growing importance of safety, efficiency, and technological modernization in freight operations. Drone-based monitoring has been identified as a viable solution for overseeing the loading process, enhancing the detection and prevention of uneven loading of wagons at terminals.
The scope of work for the pilot project includes deploying qualified drone operators with appropriate safety certifications, conducting aerial scanning of rakes before dispatch from terminals, and providing real-time transmission of video feeds and images. Additionally, the drones will assist in monitoring load distribution patterns in loaded wagons and enable automated detection of unsafe loading or load imbalance through visual analytics. The pilot project is scheduled to run for three months, with the selected zones tasked to initiate the process promptly. At the conclusion of the pilot, a detailed evaluation report, including its feasibility for pan-India replication, is to be submitted for further consideration.
This initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ broader efforts to modernize its operations through the integration of advanced technologies. Previously, the West Central Railway zone conducted trial runs of drone cameras across its three divisions—Jabalpur, Bhopal, and Kota—as part of a pilot project. These trials demonstrated the effectiveness of drones in monitoring track conditions, inspecting infrastructure, and overseeing project progress, thereby enhancing overall safety and operational efficiency. The deployment of drones for monitoring freight train loading represents a proactive step towards mitigating risks associated with uneven loading, which has been a contributing factor to derailments. By leveraging drone technology, Indian Railways aims to ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight, thereby supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
As the pilot project progresses, it is anticipated that the insights gained will inform the potential expansion of drone-based monitoring across other zones, further reinforcing the commitment to safety and technological advancement in Indian Railways’ operations.
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