_Mumbai Deploys AI Powered CCTV Cameras To Enhance Safety In Electric Locomotives
The Pune railway division has initiated a significant technological upgrade by installing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered CCTV cameras in its electric locomotives, marking a crucial step towards bolstering railway safety across the nation’s expansive network. These advanced cameras, offering 360-degree monitoring capabilities, are designed to capture comprehensive movements both inside and outside engine cabins. This pivotal development not only promises to streamline accident investigations but also facilitates real-time operational oversight of locomotive pilots, contributing to a more resilient and secure public transport system.
This localised implementation in Pune aligns with a broader mandate from the national railway board to equip all electric locomotives with such surveillance systems. Ten of Pune’s 77 electric locomotives have already received these upgrades, with installation actively progressing across the remaining fleet. Each locomotive will integrate six high-definition, high-resolution cameras: two within the driving cabins and four strategically positioned on the exterior sides of the engine. This comprehensive onboard recording setup stores data in an offline mode, ensuring robust security against potential cyber threats and data breaches.
The internal cabin cameras are engineered to provide invaluable insights into human factors during operations, including the behaviour, stress levels, and operational methods of the locomotive pilots. Concurrently, the external cameras are calibrated to detect anomalies on the tracks, such as unauthorised individuals, wildlife intrusions, signal irregularities, or any physical obstructions. This advanced detection capability is vital for enabling swift intervention, potentially averting accidents, and enhancing the overall safety footprint of the railway’s high-speed and passenger-centric operations.
The offline recording functionality is particularly critical, as it guarantees local storage of all footage within the locomotive itself. This design choice inherently eliminates the risks associated with external tampering or data compromises, ensuring that in the event of an emergency or accident, the recorded footage serves as an untainted and invaluable resource for investigators. Such forensic capabilities are essential for determining root causes and continually refining safety protocols for future operations. Each six-camera setup is estimated at an investment of approximately ₹10 lakh per engine, signalling a substantial commitment to technological advancement in rail safety.
This strategic technological adoption in electric locomotives, which are primarily utilised for passenger services, reinforces the commitment to passenger welfare and operational excellence. By leveraging AI-powered surveillance, the railway aims to enhance its proactive safety measures, fostering a more secure and reliable environment for millions of commuters. Such innovations are fundamental to developing sustainable and equitable cities by ensuring that public transportation remains a safe, efficient, and preferred mode of travel, thereby reducing carbon footprints and promoting urban sustainability.
