The Indian Railways is set to enhance safety measures across its vast network with a groundbreaking project to install approximately 75,000 Artificial Intelligence (AI) -powered CCTV cameras. The initiative, estimated at ₹15,000 crore, will see these advanced surveillance systems installed across 40,000 coaches, 14,000 locomotives, and 6,000 Electric Multiple Units (EMUs).
The high-value tender for this ambitious project is scheduled to be floated in October. The decision comes amid recent concerns over rail safety, particularly in the wake of several derailments. To address these issues, the Indian Railways is considering integrating additional technologies, such as Lidar, to further enhance monitoring capabilities. The AI-based cameras will be instrumental in detecting and alerting for any foreign objects or anomalies on the tracks, significantly improving the response time in emergency situations. Each coach will be fitted with six cameras, while locomotives will have four, including high-resolution frontal cameras designed to detect potential hazards from over a kilometre away.
This extensive surveillance upgrade follows previous efforts to secure major railway stations with high-resolution CCTV systems. By expanding this coverage to the rolling stock, the Indian Railways aims to bolster its safety infrastructure comprehensively. The initiative will also facilitate better monitoring of wagon movements through RFID systems. This proactive approach is anticipated to play a crucial role in preventing accidents and enhancing overall safety on India’s railway network.
