Indian Railways has introduced an artificial intelligence-based monitoring system to accelerate freight wagon inspections and improve the security of consignments in transit. Project DRISHTI was developed by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in partnership with IIT Guwahati, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The system uses cameras, intelligent lighting and secure communication equipment at designated monitoring points along freight routes. As trains pass through these locations, high-speed cameras capture images of individual wagons and AI-based image analysis identifies wagon numbers while examining doors, locks and seals.

Project DRISHTI can flag damaged, open or otherwise irregular locks and seals for further examination by railway staff. Inspection results can also be stored digitally, allowing personnel to access records more quickly and reducing reliance on entirely manual checks.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the system would support staff involved in freight monitoring, including the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and commercial personnel. Faster identification of possible irregularities is intended to improve consignment security, reduce delays and assist frontline railway teams.

Freight trains transport essential goods for industry, agriculture and supply chains across India. Rail consignments are particularly important in the Northeast, where geographical and environmental conditions can make road transport difficult. The system is designed to make wagon checks faster and more consistent during night-time operations and adverse weather, while providing railway staff with a digital record of inspection findings.