Eastern Railway expands AI use to ensure uninterrupted passenger services and efficient supply chain management

The Eastern Railway is significantly increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted passenger services and improving efficiency in supply chain and materials management. The initiative reflects a broader push towards modernisation, combining technology-driven systems with operational reliability in railway services.

The development was highlighted during a seminar organised by the Indian Railways Institute of Logistics and Materials Management (IRILMM) at Eastern Railway headquarters in Fairlie Place, Kolkata. The event focused on “The future of supply chain management in the AI era” and brought together senior railway officials from multiple zones including ECR, SER, ER, ECoR, NFR, Metro Railway, and CLW.

Eastern Railway General Manager Milind Deouskar, who also serves as IRILMM chief patron, attended the programme as keynote speaker. He stressed that adopting AI in supply and materials management would help reduce wastage and ensure timely availability of essential resources. He added that smoother supply chain operations would directly improve passenger services by reducing maintenance delays, improving cleanliness, and enhancing overall train reliability.

Officials noted that integration of AI is expected to streamline railway operations by enabling predictive maintenance and faster response to technical requirements. Alongside the technical discussions, spiritual leader Swami Sarvottamananda Ji also addressed the gathering, emphasising ethical governance in the use of advanced technologies. He highlighted that while AI and automation are rapidly evolving, human values and responsible decision-making must remain central to public service systems.