Tamil Nadu has set a benchmark in wildlife protection by using artificial intelligence to save elephants from fatal railway accidents. Since November 2023, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s AI-powered early warning system in Madukkarai, Coimbatore, has recorded 6,592 safe elephant crossings — with zero fatalities.
The system covers a stretch of railway track that lies along a key elephant corridor, an area that has seen several tragic incidents in the past. To prevent such accidents, 12 towers equipped with 24 high-definition thermal cameras have been installed. These cameras work around the clock, detecting elephant movement and instantly alerting railway officials. This allows train drivers to slow down or halt, giving elephants enough time to cross safely.
A team of 25 trained forest staff monitor the system 24/7, coordinating closely with loco pilots and railway control rooms. The Forest Department recently released video footage showing a herd, including baby elephants, calmly walking across the tracks. The scenes underline the system’s success in combining modern technology with committed on-ground action.
“TN proves what’s possible when technology meets commitment. Every elephant matters — and Tamil Nadu shows the world how,” the Forest Department wrote in its social media post.
The initiative gained nationwide praise when IAS officer Supriya Sahu shared the footage on World Elephant Day, August 12. “What better tribute to elephants than guaranteeing their right to a safe life,” she wrote, urging other regions to adopt similar measures.
The achievement reflects strong teamwork between forest rangers, track watchers, guards, loco pilots, and officers, all working in sync to protect the state’s elephant population. Wildlife experts say this model could be replicated across India’s elephant corridors, helping to drastically reduce animal casualties on railway lines.
With nearly 10 months of flawless operation and thousands of lives saved, Tamil Nadu’s AI-driven approach stands as proof that conservation and technology can go hand in hand — ensuring that future generations of elephants roam safely across their natural habitats.
