Indian Railways to introduce composite sleepers, AI-based monitoring to boost track safety

Indian Railways has announced a series of measures aimed at enhancing passenger safety and travel comfort, including the introduction of modern composite sleepers and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for track monitoring.

The decisions were taken during a review meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhavan in New Delhi.

Under the new initiative, traditional iron and concrete sleepers used in bridge approaches and at points and crossings will be replaced with advanced composite sleepers. These sleepers, made from mixed materials, are lighter, more durable, and capable of handling higher loads – up to 700 kg per square centimetre.

The Ministry of Railways said the new sleepers also offer better cushioning, making train journeys smoother, particularly over bridges and complex track sections. Additionally, they can be customised based on site-specific requirements, making them easier to install and maintain while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

In a major technological upgrade, the Railways will also deploy AI-based systems to monitor track conditions. Special inspection vehicles equipped with Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) devices will be used to assess the health of track foundations, enabling early detection of potential issues.

To further strengthen safety, the Railways has decided to adopt Magnetic Particle Testing, an advanced technique to detect even minor defects in welded joints, thereby improving the overall quality and reliability of track infrastructure.

The Ministry said the initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ continued focus on modernisation and its commitment to ensuring safer, more efficient, and comfortable travel for passengers.