Western Railway’s Vadodara Division tests drone-based live-line OHE inspection system

Vadodara: The Vadodara Division of Western Railway has successfully conducted a trial of a drone-based live-line overhead electrical equipment (OHE) monitoring and inspection system at Pratapnagar Yard. The initiative by the Traction Distribution Department marks a significant step toward strengthening railway safety and infrastructure reliability.

The advanced drone system enables inspection of OHE without disrupting rail traffic. Equipped with a high-resolution thermal camera, the drone can accurately detect overheating, loose contacts, misalignment, and other potential technical faults.

Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Traction Distribution) Nalin Lochan Gupta said the drone has a micro-operational range of 5 km and a battery backup of around 40 minutes. Its live-line monitoring capability, supported by thermal imaging, allows early identification of defects that may not be visible during routine inspections, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of OHE patrolling.

The initiative reflects Western Railway’s aim of enhancing safety standards through the adoption of modern technology. Drone-based monitoring is expected to help maintain defect-free OHE systems, reduce risks associated with manual inspections, and improve overall operational reliability. DeshGujarat