The Indian Railways is set to equip all locomotives with advanced front-view cameras incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This initiative aims to bolster the surveillance and safety measures already in place, which include cameras in coaches and CCTV systems at railway stations.
The Railway Board Chairman, the first female CEO of the Railway Board, detailed this initiative during her recent visit to Prayagraj. The visit was part of her review of preparations for the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025. During her interactions with the media, she addressed recent concerns about train safety, including the derailment of the Sabarmati Express near Kanpur, stating that an FIR has been filed and an inquiry is underway to determine the cause.
To ensure safety during large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh, the Chairman emphasised the Railways’ commitment to heightened vigilance. Security agencies and civil administration will collaborate to maintain continuous monitoring of railway tracks, with additional forces deployed to oversee operations during the event. For the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the Railways will operate 900 special trains on key bathing days, a significant increase from the 503 special trains run during the 2019 Kumbh, with the potential for further increases if necessary. The Chairman’s visit included inspections of key railway stations such as Prayagraj Junction, Prayag, Phaphamau, Prayagraj Sangam, and Jhunsi, where she reviewed ongoing civil work aimed at accommodating the influx of devotees. She also assessed the control tower responsible for managing the crowd and directed officials to install numerous screens and high-quality announcement equipment. Emphasis was placed on appointing a single official to oversee crowd control effectively.
The integration of AI technology into railway safety measures represents a significant advancement in accident prevention and operational efficiency. By enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities, these AI-enabled cameras are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety on the Indian Railways network.
