Indian Railways to Install CCTV Cameras in All 74,000 Coaches
Indian Railways has announced a major passenger safety initiative to install CCTV cameras in all of its approximately 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives nationwide. To protect privacy, cameras will be placed in common areas near doorways. Each coach will have four dome-type cameras, while locomotives will have six. The high-quality cameras are specified to provide clear footage even in low light and at speeds over 100 kmph, with potential for AI-based analysis to enhance security for millions of daily travelers.
Unpacked:
The initiative was driven by successful pilot projects on select trains and positive feedback from those trials, which demonstrated improved safety and security for passengers. High-level meetings with railway officials and ministers also reinforced the decision to expand CCTV coverage nationwide.
To address privacy concerns, cameras will only be installed in common corridors near doorways, not inside private compartments, seating areas, or restrooms. This setup ensures that passenger privacy is preserved while still enhancing overall security.
AI integration will enable advanced surveillance features such as facial recognition to identify known criminals, intrusion detection, access management for sensitive areas, and predictive maintenance for trains. These capabilities aim to further enhance security and operational efficiency on the railways.
Indian Railways has mandated high-resolution cameras with stringent quality standards, including STQC certification. The cameras are designed to provide clear footage at speeds over 100 kmph and in low-light conditions, ensuring effective monitoring at all times.