The Ministry of Environment has announced plans to install a new AI-powered device developed by the Faculty of Engineering at Peradeniya University to prevent train-elephant collisions in Sri Lanka.
According to a ministry statement, the devices will be installed as a pilot project during the first two weeks of March.
The device can detect wild elephants on railway tracks up to 500 meters away and alert train drivers in advance.
Technical assessments will be conducted, and after a formal three-month study, the system is expected to be deployed on railway routes crossing wildlife corridors.
Additionally, the Sri Lanka Railway Department is considering new speed limits and revised train schedules to reduce nighttime elephant collisions.
