Indian Railways has announced a major safety upgrade by planning to install CCTV cameras on all 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives nationwide. This move follows successful pilot trials in select Northern Railway zones that demonstrated the effectiveness of onboard surveillance in reducing crime.
Details of CCTV Deployment
Each passenger coach will be fitted with four dome-shaped CCTV cameras, with two positioned near each entrance to cover passenger movement areas while respecting privacy. Locomotives will be equipped with six cameras to provide front, rear, side, and cab views, supplemented by audio recording capabilities for thorough monitoring.
Advanced Technology for Challenging Conditions
The CCTV systems will use state-of-the-art, STQC-certified equipment capable of capturing clear, high-resolution footage even at speeds above 100 km/h and in low-light environments. This ensures continuous monitoring regardless of train speed or lighting conditions.
Integration with Artificial Intelligence
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu emphasized the importance of integrating AI technology with the CCTV network. Collaborations with the IndiaAI mission are encouraged to enable smarter analysis and faster response to incidents detected on the trains.
Safety and Crime Prevention
Railway officials expect the widespread CCTV coverage to serve as a strong deterrent against organized crime and petty theft, common issues that have affected passenger safety. The cameras aim to increase passenger confidence by creating a safer travel environment.
Balancing Security and Privacy
The surveillance setup is designed to maximize security without compromising individual privacy. Careful camera placement ensures passenger movement is monitored in public areas without intrusive coverage, aligning with Indian Railways’ commitment to a passenger-centric and privacy-conscious approach.
Commitment to Modernization
This initiative forms part of Indian Railways’ broader vision to modernize infrastructure and services, combining innovation with enhanced safety protocols. The deployment of CCTV cameras across the rail network represents a significant leap forward in safeguarding millions of passengers daily.
