Railways to install CCTV cameras in all coaches, locos to boost passenger safety
New Delhi, July 13: In a major push to enhance passenger safety, Indian Railways has approved the installation of CCTV cameras in all 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives across its network. The decision follows successful trials conducted in select trains under the Northern Railway zone.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of the pilot project during a high-level meeting held on July 12, attended by senior officials of the Railway Board. Encouraged by the results, the ministry has now cleared the way for full-scale implementation.
As part of the plan, each coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras—two at each entrance—while each locomotive will feature six cameras covering the front, rear, and both sides. Additionally, the driver cabs will be fitted with dome cameras and desk-mounted microphones to enhance monitoring and accountability.
The surveillance system will use STQC-certified equipment capable of delivering high-quality video, even when trains run at speeds exceeding 100 kmph or in low-light conditions. Officials say the move is a crucial step toward modernising India’s vast railway network with smart security systems.
To address concerns around privacy, cameras will be installed only in common areas such as near the coach doors. This ensures passenger privacy while enabling effective surveillance to deter theft, harassment, and other crimes. Miscreants and organised gangs, officials noted, often exploit unsuspecting passengers, and the presence of cameras is expected to reduce such incidents substantially.
The Railways is also considering the use of Artificial Intelligence to process CCTV footage for real-time alerts and analytics, in partnership with the IndiaAI mission. This could enable the system to detect unusual activity and improve response times in emergencies.
Officials emphasised that the move is part of Indian Railways’ broader mission to provide a safe, secure, and passenger-centric travel experience through continuous technological upgrades and better service delivery.
