Guwahati, 26 September (HS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), in collaboration with IIT Guwahati, has introduced Project DRISHTI, an Artificial Intelligence-based system designed to enhance the monitoring and security of freight wagons. The system was formally inaugurated at the NFR headquarters in Maligaon, NFR CPRO Kapinjal Kishor Sharma informed today..

Project DRISHTI uses high-speed cameras, intelligent lighting, secure networking and AI technology to inspect wagon doors, locks and seals as freight trains pass through designated monitoring points. The system is designed to identify wagon numbers and assess whether doors, locks and seals are properly secured, helping railway personnel detect possible irregularities or instances of pilferage during transit.

NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava said freight transportation plays a vital role in maintaining supply chains and supporting industries and agriculture, particularly in the Northeast, where geographical and environmental conditions can make road transportation difficult.

He noted that inspection of wagon doors and seals was earlier carried out manually, a process that could be time-consuming and difficult during night hours and adverse weather conditions. Project DRISHTI is intended to make the process faster, more efficient and technology-driven.

The system will also digitally record inspection findings, enabling railway personnel to take timely action. It is expected to support the work of frontline staff, including the Railway Protection Force and commercial personnel, while reducing dependence on manual inspection.

The NFR-IIT Guwahati collaboration combines academic expertise in Artificial Intelligence with railway operational experience to address freight-security challenges. Shrivastava congratulated the teams involved in developing the system and expressed hope that Project DRISHTI would lead to further technology-based collaborative initiatives between NFR and IIT Guwahati.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash