Vijayawada Railway Division of South Central Railway has launched an advanced in‑coach CCTV system across its passenger fleet, marking a substantial leap in onboard safety and trust. The media demonstration at Vijayawada Coaching Depot showcased six high‑definition dome cameras in each coach—two at each entrance and two along the aisle—equipped with low‑light capability and certified for high‑speed operations.
This implementation forms part of a nationwide Railways initiative under the Union Ministry of Railways to equip 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives with surveillance technology. Cameras are strategically placed only in common areas, preserving commuter privacy while ensuring areas prone to crowding and vulnerability are covered. Locomotives have not been overlooked; each is fitted with six cameras and two desk‑mounted microphones, enhancing situational awareness for engineers and facilitating swift response to any incidents. Railway officials emphasized that this upgrade transcends mere surveillance—it is part of a broader safety ecosystem designed to deter misconduct, improve service quality, and enable transparent post‑incident investigations. The Divisional Railway Manager underscored that the initiative is not just about technology, but “building trust”, instilling confidence among passengers and staff alike.
The technology aligns closely with Chennai Metro’s zero‑carbon, eco‑friendly principles by enhancing safety on public transit, which can help shift commuters away from personalised transport, reducing vehicular emissions. Moreover, such systems boost inclusivity: visible safety measures may particularly encourage travel by women, older adults, and differently‑abled passengers, supporting equitable urban mobility. This rollout expands on earlier pilot projects in Northern and other zones, where four‑camera setups had demonstrated effectiveness in crowd management and legal record‑keeping . Now, the CCTV programme is being phased across other high‑density corridors.
The initiative comes at a critical time as the national rail network works to modernise assets, manage increasing ridership, and meet stringent safety norms. With over 51 million passengers passing through Vijayawada Junction annually, the new CCTV system is both timely and essential, reinforcing the division’s credentials as a progressive and passenger‑centric authority. As India gears toward integrating artificial intelligence with surveillance data, future iterations may include real‑time threat detection or crowd analysis—though protocols must ensure that passenger rights and privacy remain safeguarded.
While implementation and data management will be key to success, the upgrade solidifies Indian Railways’ commitment to modern, transparent, and passenger‑friendly transport services. Should roll‑out momentum be sustained, this may herald a national standard, benefiting millions daily and reinforcing public trust in mass transit.
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