Indian Railways and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to install a Machine Vision-Based Inspection System (MVIS) for improving train safety. The MoU marks the beginning of large-scale deployment of AI and ML-enabled predictive maintenance systems for real-time monitoring of train components.
Key Highlights
- The MVIS technology will be deployed to automate inspection of rolling stock (i.e., coaches, wagons).
- The system is expected to:
- Improve safety in train operations.
- Reduce manual inspection and human error.
- Prevent accidents and minimize service disruptions.
- DFCCIL will procure, install, test, and commission 4 MVIS units across designated locations.
What is MVIS (Machine Vision-Based Inspection System)?
- MVIS is an AI & Machine Learning-powered system designed for the automated health monitoring of moving trains.
- It captures high-resolution images of the under-gear and critical components of rolling stock at high speeds.
- The system can detect:
- Hanging components
- Loose or missing parts
- It generates real-time alerts for timely corrective action and improved asset reliability.
Significance for Indian Railways
- First-of-its-kind large-scale AI integration in preventive maintenance of rolling stock.
- Aligns with Indian Railways’ focus on:
- Smart infrastructure
- Safety automation
- Digital transformation
- Supports India’s mission to reduce rail accidents through tech-based predictive tools.
About DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited)
| Aspect | Details |
| Established | 30 October 2006 |
| Type | Schedule ‘A’ PSU under Ministry of Railways |
| Purpose | Construction, operation & maintenance of Dedicated Freight Corridors |
| Key Corridors | Eastern DFC (Ludhiana–Dankuni) and Western DFC (Dadri–JNPT) |
| Partner Country | Japan (for feasibility study and funding support via JICA) |
| Technology Role | Facilitating modern freight movement through multimodal logistics |
| Vision | Increase railways’ freight market share, ensuring speed, safety, and efficiency |
Need for DFCs
- Indian Railways’ Golden Quadrilateral (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Howrah) and its two diagonals carry:
- 52% of passenger traffic
- 58% of freight traffic
- However, line capacity utilization exceeds 115–150%, leading to congestion and delays.
- Rail freight market share declined from 88% (1950-51) to 26% (2021-22) due to:
- Lack of dedicated freight paths
- Growth of national highways handling 40% of freight despite forming only 0.5% of road network
Key Facts:
| Fact | Details |
| Founded | 16 April 1853 (1st train: Mumbai to Thane) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Railways |
| Railway Board Chairman & CEO | Jaya Varma Sinha (as of 2024) |
| World Ranking | 4th largest railway network in the world (by route length) |
| Recent Initiative | ‘100% electrification of Broad Gauge routes by 2030’ |
| Smart Freight Corridors | Eastern & Western DFCs under DFCCIL |
Why This Development Matters?
- MVIS introduction represents a leap toward automated rail safety using homegrown AI & ML technology.
- Marks Indian Railways’ shift from reactive to predictive maintenance.
- Will serve as a model for scaling AI tools across other Indian Railways zones and divisions.
- Supports national goals under:
- Digital India
- Make in India
- Atmanirbhar Bharat