Indian Railways has launched an ambitious plan to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras across its entire passenger coach and locomotive fleet. Over 7,400 coaches and around 15,000 locomotives are expected to be equipped with advanced surveillance systems as part of this nationwide initiative. The decision follows a comprehensive review led by top officials from the Ministry of Railways. According to officials, the objective is to curb unruly behaviour, prevent security incidents, and enable better monitoring of railway assets, without infringing on passenger privacy.
To that end, the surveillance infrastructure has been carefully designed. Each coach will house four dome-type CCTV cameras positioned strategically at entry points, avoiding intrusion into private areas while still covering all access doors. Meanwhile, locomotives will be outfitted with six outdoor CCTVs — one each on the front, rear, left, and right sides — along with two dome cameras installed internally. Additionally, microphones will be mounted on locomotive desks to enhance situational monitoring. This deployment will utilise high-definition, STQC-certified cameras capable of capturing clear footage even in low-light conditions and at train speeds exceeding 100 kmph. These capabilities are expected to provide real-time situational awareness to railway staff and enhance response times in emergencies.
Officials revealed that trials conducted by the Northern Railway Division demonstrated a more efficient configuration of just two cameras per end of the coach — sufficient to monitor all four doors — significantly optimising installation and costs. The new setup was tested in air-conditioned coaches and received the green light for national rollout after successful results. The initiative will also see the integration of artificial intelligence. Officials confirmed that data collected from CCTV footage may be used in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission to develop predictive safety analytics, helping detect suspicious behaviour or unauthorised entry. This aligns with broader digital transformation goals in public infrastructure, promoting safety without compromising sustainability or passenger rights.
As of now, CCTV cameras have already been installed in over 6,000 coaches within the Northern Railway zone, covering a mix of LHB, ICF, and suburban EMU/MEMU/DEMU stock. The work will be executed through three key railway workshops: Jagadhri (for LHB coaches), Alambagh (for ICF), and Charbagh (for EMU/MEMU/DEMU). Tenders for the full-scale installation were floated earlier this month, setting the stage for a phased completion across all zones. Officials said that semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas Express, and Amrit Bharat have already benefitted from such surveillance systems.
While the surveillance expansion is being hailed as a major leap forward in train safety and operations, it will be critical to ensure ongoing transparency and data protection standards. Nonetheless, this proactive approach signifies a strong shift towards building safer, more secure, and technologically smart railway systems across India — a vital step for inclusive and sustainable urban mobility.
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