Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – March 19, 2025:
Railway safety in India is set to reach new heights with the introduction of groundbreaking artificial intelligence, which was developed by L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS). The global engineering and technology leader today launched Track Ei™, an AI-driven railway track inspection system designed to enhance safety and efficiency across rail networks. Powered by the NVIDIA Jetson™ platform, Track Ei™ promises to transform how Indian Railways detects defects and prevents accidents, addressing critical safety challenges highlighted by incidents over the past five years.
AI at the Heart of Railway Safety
TrackEi™ leverages high-resolution cameras, laser profiling, and deep learning algorithms to perform real-time defect detection at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. Unlike traditional manual inspections or slow-moving trolleys, this system identifies broken rails, cracks, misalignments, and other structural flaws instantly, providing actionable insights to prevent derailments. By operating at the network edge, TrackEi™ processes data on the fly, reducing reliance on cloud connectivity and ensuring reliability even in challenging weather or lighting conditions.
Alind Saxena, Executive Director & President – Mobility & Tech at LTTS, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology: “We are redefining railway safety by combining AI, machine vision, and edge computing to create an intelligent, scalable inspection solution. With TrackEi™, rail operators can detect defects with unparalleled accuracy while optimizing maintenance schedules and reducing downtime.”
Lessons from Recent Railway Accidents
India’s railway network, one of the largest in the world, has faced significant safety challenges in recent years. Notable accidents highlight the need for solutions like TrackEi™:
- 2023 Balasore Train Collision (Odisha): A devastating crash involving three trains killed over 290 people, with signal failures and human error cited as contributing factors. TrackEi™’s real-time monitoring could preemptively flag track or alignment issues, reducing the risk of such incidents.
- 2021 Rohtak Derailment (Haryana): A goods train derailed due to a broken rail, disrupting services for hours. TrackEi™’s ability to detect cracks and structural defects early could prevent similar derailments.
- 2019 Kanpur Derailment (Uttar Pradesh): A passenger train derailed after hitting a track obstruction, injuring dozens. The predictive maintenance capabilities of TrackEi™ could identify potential hazards well in advance, enabling timely interventions.
These incidents, among others, have claimed numerous lives and disrupted services, costing millions. TrackEi™ aims to mitigate such risks by automating inspections, enhancing accuracy, and enabling predictive maintenance to address issues before they escalate.
How TrackEi™ Reduces Risks
The AI-powered system offers several key features tailored to bolster railway safety:
- Real-Time Alerts: Defects are detected in milliseconds, allowing immediate action to avert accidents.
- Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing data trends, TrackEi™ forecasts maintenance needs, minimizing unexpected failures.
- High-Speed Inspections: Operating at over 60 mph, it ensures comprehensive coverage without slowing down rail operations.
- Scalability: Easily retrofitted onto existing trains, it integrates seamlessly with India’s vast railway infrastructure.
Beyond safety, TrackEi™ promotes sustainability by optimizing maintenance, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering emissions—a critical advantage for India’s environmentally conscious rail modernization efforts.
A Global Benchmark in Rail Innovation
The launch of TrackEi™ builds on LTTS’ collaboration with NVIDIA, a leader in AI computing, and follows its recognition with the Etihad Rail Innovation Award. Currently undergoing testing at MxV Rail in Pueblo, Colorado, under the Association of American Railroads, TrackEi™ is poised to set a new standard for railway safety worldwide. It will be showcased at the NVIDIA GTC 2025 AI Conference, spotlighting India’s growing role in AI-driven transportation solutions.
As Indian Railways continues its ambitious modernization drive, L&T’s TrackEi™ promises to be a game-changer, ensuring safer journeys for millions of passengers and reinforcing the nation’s rail infrastructure with the power of artificial intelligence.
Source: Press Trust of India
