The Ministry of Railways has announced a comprehensive plan to install CCTV cameras across all 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives in the Indian Railways network. This decision follows successful experimental trials conducted in Northern Railway coaches and locomotives, and is aimed at significantly improving passenger safety and deterring criminal activity onboard.
Each coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras, with two cameras positioned at each entrance area. Locomotives will be fitted with six cameras, including one each at the front, rear and both sides of the engine. Additionally, each cab—front and rear—will have one dome camera and two desk-mounted microphones to ensure audio capture and operational transparency.
The Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of the installation project during a meeting with senior Railway Board officials. The ministers emphasised the importance of deploying best-in-class equipment and ensuring high-quality footage even at train speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour and under low-light conditions.
The CCTV cameras will be STQC certified and designed to deliver reliable surveillance performance across varied operational environments. The Railways will also explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence with the captured data, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission, to enhance real-time monitoring and predictive safety analytics.
To preserve passenger privacy, cameras will be installed only in common movement areas near the coach doors. This strategic placement is intended to identify miscreants and prevent incidents without intruding into private spaces. The initiative reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its infrastructure and delivering a safe, secure and passenger-friendly travel experience.
The rollout of this surveillance upgrade marks a significant milestone in the Railways’ ongoing efforts to strengthen onboard security and deter organised criminal activity that targets unsuspecting passengers. By ensuring 360-degree coverage and leveraging advanced technology, the Railways aims to create a robust deterrent against misconduct and enhance public confidence in rail travel.
