In a major technological upgrade aimed at ensuring passenger and operational safety, Indian Railways has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) to implement the Machine Vision Based Inspection System (MVIS). This system, based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), will help monitor and inspect the health of rolling stock in real time, dramatically reducing reliance on manual inspections.
What Is MVIS and How It Works
The MVIS technology is a wayside AI/ML-enabled system designed to capture high-resolution images of the under-gear and components of moving trains. These images are processed through intelligent algorithms that identify anomalies such as hanging, loose, or missing parts, which are otherwise difficult to detect during regular inspections.
Upon detecting a fault, the system generates real-time alerts, allowing maintenance teams to act promptly, thus preventing major safety hazards and unplanned service disruptions.
MoU Signing Ceremony at Rail Bhawan
The Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, by:
-
Shri Sumit Kumar, Director (Project & Development), Railway Board
-
Shri Jawahar Lal, General Manager (Mechanical), DFCCIL
The event was attended by senior railway officials including Shri B. M. Agrawal, Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), and Shri Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of DFCCIL.
Scope of the Project: Four MVIS Units to Be Installed
Under this agreement, DFCCIL will undertake the procurement, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of four MVIS units across select railway corridors. This marks the first large-scale deployment of AI-driven vision-based inspection systems by Indian Railways.
The primary benefits of MVIS include:
-
Enhanced safety through real-time fault detection
-
Reduction in manual inspections, leading to more efficient workforce utilization
-
Minimization of service disruptions and accidents through predictive maintenance
-
Data-driven decision-making for rolling stock upkeep and repair schedules
Part of a Broader Vision for Smart Rail Infrastructure
This development aligns with Indian Railways’ larger goal of modernizing infrastructure and moving toward smart, digital operations. The adoption of technologies like MVIS reflects the national transporter’s push to build a future-ready, tech-integrated railway ecosystem, prioritizing both safety and efficiency.
By adopting intelligent automation tools, Indian Railways aims to:
-
Enhance reliability and punctuality of services
-
Reduce the human error factor in maintenance tasks
-
Improve the lifecycle management of its massive fleet of rolling stock
