AI cameras save elephants from train accidents in Odisha’s Rourkela

In a significant step towards wildlife protection, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered cameras are helping prevent elephant deaths caused by train collisions in Rourkela of Odisha’s Sundargarh district, sources said on Wednesday.

Also Read: AI technology helps save elephant herd from train accident in Rourkela

Train accidents have long posed a major threat to elephants, especially in forested regions where railway tracks pass through wildlife corridors. To address this concern, AI-enabled surveillance cameras were previously installed for the first time in Rourkela forest division.

These smart cameras have been set up at four vulnerable locations to track the elephant movement near railway lines. Over time, the system has generated alerts whenever herds approached the tracks — allowing authorities to take timely action.

According to forest officials, the AI cameras have detected around 880 instances of wild elephants nearing railway lines. This early-warning mechanism has played a vital role in preventing train accidents involving the pachyderms.

As a result, approximately 270 elephant lives have been saved in the past year alone, marking a major success in reducing human-wildlife conflict and safeguarding endangered species. Rourkela Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Yashwant Sethi highlighted the impact of this technology-driven initiative in strengthening conservation efforts.

When contacted, the DFO said, “We had installed the AI cameras on November 19, 2024, at four locations: Dollakudar and Kucheita on Bandhamunda-Barasuan line, and Mahipani and Sonakhan on the busy Mumbai-Howrah line. These were problematic areas where elephant accidents had occurred previously. Within a year, we received 880 alerts at various times. Based on the visuals, we estimate that we safely guided around 270 elephants across the tracks, ensuring their safety.”

“Last night, around 12.33 AM, there was a herd of 23 elephants. Three were in the front, and 20 were following. The AI tower alerted us that three elephants were near the track. We immediately informed the railway control room and stopped all trains on the Mumbai-Howrah line for about two and a half hours until they crossed safely,” the DFO stated.