New Delhi — In a major step to enhance passenger safety and strengthen onboard security, the Indian Railways has installed CCTV cameras in 11,535 coaches across its network, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Wednesday.
The initiative is part of a larger plan to install surveillance systems in around 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives. The objective is to deter crimes, assist in investigations, and ensure a safer environment for passengers, the minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Each passenger coach will have four CCTV cameras—two at each entrance—while locomotives will be fitted with six cameras covering the front, rear, sides, and inside the driver’s cabins. Additionally, two microphones will be installed in the locomotive cabins for audio surveillance.
Vaishnaw assured that the privacy of passengers would remain protected. “CCTV cameras are being installed only in common areas such as near coach doors. No cameras will be placed inside compartments or washrooms,” he clarified.
The Railway Ministry emphasized that all equipment will meet the latest RDSO specifications and will be STQC-certified. These high-performance cameras will be capable of capturing clear footage even on fast-moving trains exceeding 100 kmph.
While the total cost of the massive surveillance rollout is still being evaluated, the minister noted that final figures would be determined once all associated work is completed. He also revealed that real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence-based surveillance tools are under consideration for future phases of the project.
