Use Artificial Intelligence to improve safety of railway network, says Nandan Nilekani

Infosys co-founder and non-executive chairman Nandan Nilekani

Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has backed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop applications based on existing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in order to improve safety of India’s railway network. Nilekani envisions integrating AI into railway’s modernisation efforts to improve safety, prevent accidents, and ensure a more secure travel for passengers across the extensive network.

He was speaking at the All India Management Association’s (AIMA) 69th Foundation Day & 19th National Management Day event in New Delhi.

"I am sure AI can be applied to safety in Railways too, though I am not an expert," said Nilekani, during a fireside chat with Moneycontrol’s Managing Editor, Nalin Mehta. Nilekani elaborated on how DPI has established large systems and amassed significant data, creating a foundation upon which AI can operate. "DPI and AI are complementary. DPI has laid the foundation in terms of large systems, a lot of data, all of which are required for the AI. AI will be built on top of DPI, and DPI will get turbocharged by AI. So, it's a very synergistic relationship," Nilekani said.

The Infosys co-founder underscored the strategic importance of AI for India, especially applying it at a population scale to solve fundamental challenges. He talked about potential applications to improve education and provide timely, localised information to farmers to enhance productivity. "To me, AI is as good as its application, and its usage. I think India will definitely be a leader in applying AI at scale," he said.

On the challenges associated with implementing AI, Nilekani backed the need for cost-effective solutions, given the computational expenses involved in AI processes. Government-led, population-scale applications could pioneer this, to ensure scalable and affordable AI deployment, said Nilekani. "The ability to build at that scale cheaply is something we have perfected, and we'll apply that in India. The same thinking applies to AI.”

Nilekani's comments come at a time when the safety aspect of India’s railway network is vigorously being debated. In October 2023, two passenger trains collided in the Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, highlighting systemic safety issues. This, among others, intensified scrutiny over railway safety protocols, and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.

In response to such incidents, Indian Railways has been actively investing in modernisation efforts. Significant portions of the railway budget have been dedicated to safety-related works and the acquisition of modern rolling stock.