A scholarship-winning idea: How AI and smart vests can transform heavy haul rail at passive level crossings
Nurturing emerging talent and fostering a culture of innovation are at the core of how we shape the future of transport and infrastructure at DT Infrastructure (DTI).
We recently celebrated Sanjna Nair, a Perth-based site engineer within our rail operations division, who was named one of only 10 industry-wide winners of the prestigious Next Generation Conference Scholarship.
The scholarship recognised Sanjna’s forward-thinking approach to rail safety, earning her an invitation to attend the Heavy Haul Rail 2026 Conference alongside the Young Rail Professionals Networking breakfast and dinner.
The award-winning idea
Remote, passive level crossings that lack active gates or flashing warning systems represent a persistent safety challenge for the rail industry. Upgrading these sites with traditional infrastructure is often cost-prohibitive; therefore, finding practical, scalable alternatives is a major priority for network operators.
Sanjna secured a scholarship with a 300-word proposal outlining a practical concept to address this issue.
Driven by an interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), she designed a three-part safety ecosystem aimed at protecting these high-risk areas. Her concept focuses on using accessible AI technology to protect both railway assets and human lives.
The proposed system relies on a combination of trackside cameras, thermal and infrared technology and a wearable vest working together:
Automated level crossing protection
Positioned at passive crossings, AI-driven cameras would utilise computer vision to instantly distinguish between moving and stalled vehicles. By filtering out false positives, the system automatically triggers immediate digital alerts to approaching trains and control rooms, enabling drivers to reduce speed or bring the train to a complete halt.
Night and all-weather reliability
Incorporating thermal and infrared technology, the camera system remains fully operational in low-visibility conditions common in remote environments, such as heavy rain, fog, dust or pitch darkness. By detecting heat signatures beyond the limits of human vision, it significantly enhances situational awareness.
The “smart vest” for crew visibility
Designed specifically for track workers and protection officers operating within danger zones, these AI-integrated safety vests utilise GPS or ultra-wideband technology to establish a virtual geofence. If a train approaches within a defined radius, such as three kilometres, the vest vibrates, activates an alarm, and alerts the control room. Similarly, if a worker steps into a danger zone, the train driver receives an instant proximity alert.
“My idea was to install AI cameras that detect vehicles accidentally stuck on the tracks. The system would automatically warn the approaching train and activate emergency signals at the crossing,” Sanjna explained.
“Integration of AI within the heavy haul rail sector through the use of AI cameras and AI smart vests has the potential to significantly improve safety outcomes.”
Sanjna’s path to this achievement underscores the rich career progression and mobility available at DTI. Originally starting her journey as a Graduate Engineer in Melbourne, she was later redeployed to Perth, where she has continued to thrive and take on complex technical challenges.
At the time of her award, Sanjna was working in servicing, managing the tamping and regulating works that consolidate ballast on our networks. In her day-to-day role, she handles vital technical work, manages monthly claims and reporting, interfaces directly with clients and looks after major and critical lifts across the network.
True to the collaborative culture and supportive approach we strive for at DTI, Sanjna has been tasked to investigate the practical application of the project safety vests, sharing her research and technical findings directly with our Executive General Manager of Rail, Paul Hawthorne.
“Sanjna’s achievement is a testament to the incredible talent driving our rail business forward. Her forward-thinking approach perfectly bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI and critical on-the-ground safety,” says Paul.
“Sanjna brings immense technical value and fresh thinking to DT Infrastructure, and we’re proud to support to her in developing these concepts so they can be practically applied across our rail operations.”
Sanjna’s success is a brilliant example of the incredible contributions young professionals are making to the engineering, infrastructure and technology fields.
By taking a proactive stance on heavy haul logistics and cutting-edge digital safety, she embodies the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward.
Congratulations, Sanjna, on this well-deserved industry recognition. We look forward to seeing how your ideas from Heavy Haul Rail 2026 continue to shape safety and technology standards across our rail operations.