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Railways - General Knowledge Questions
Which technology has been introduced by Indian Railways to prevent accidents caused by elephants on railway tracks?
A)
Hathi Kavach
B)
Gajraj Kavach
C)
Gaj Suraksha
D)
Gajraj Suraksha

Correct Answer :   Gajraj Suraksha

Gajraj uses an AI-based algorithm, and a network of sensitive optical fibre cables to detect elephants getting close to railway tracks. It warns nearby station masters when it detects an elephant getting within 200 metres of the track, who then warns locomotive pilots in the area.

Over the past decade, about 200 elephants lost their lives due to collisions with trains, posing a significant threat to both wildlife and railway operations.

In a bid to address the rising concern of elephant deaths in train collisions, Indian Railways has rolled out a groundbreaking, indigenously developed new technology called "Gajraj Suraksha", that is aimed at preventing such tragic incidents.

Gajraj Suraksha, which is a kind of Intrusion Detection System or IDS, is based on an AI algorithm and claims to detect 99.5 per cent of potential collisions, providing a much-needed solution to this longstanding issue. What makes this system unique is that it primarily relies on OFCs or Optical Fibre cables for quick transmission of signals.

Union Minister of Railways, "Ashwini Vaishnaw" announced (30th Nov 2023) plans to install these AI-powered systems in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Kerala, certain parts of Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.


How does the Gajraj Suraksha Intrusion Detection System work?

* Gajraj Suraksha senses pressure waves generated by the movement of elephants along the tracks. While explaining how exactly the mechanism works, officials revealed that as elephants move, the optical fibres detect vibrations caused by their footsteps.

* These vibrations trigger signals within the optical fibre network, enabling the system to identify the presence of elephants up to 200 meters ahead of their arrival on the track.

* The OFC-based Intrusion Detection System works by sending alarms to station masters whenever movement is detected along the tracks.

* The network is designed in such a way that it can track the movement of the elephant with great accuracy and report it to nearby station masters. This allows them to promptly inform locomotive drivers in the affected areas.

* This quick communication ensures that trains can be slowed down or stopped, preventing potential collisions with elephants..

Source : First Post

Published On : December 1, 2023
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