To enhance passenger safety, the Ministry of Railways on Sunday announced plans to install CCTV cameras in all passenger and locomotive coaches.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the installation of surveillance systems across 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives.
The decision to install CCTV cameras in all railway coaches follows a successful trial conducted in locomotive engines and coaches of the Northern Railway, which received a positive response.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the initiative aims to curb incidents involving miscreants and organised gangs who often target unsuspecting passengers.
“Following the encouraging results of the trial installation of CCTV cameras in passenger coaches, Railways has decided to extend the installation to all coaches. This step is expected to greatly enhance passenger safety,” the Ministry said in an official statement.
Key Highlights of Railway CCTV Installation Plan
In a review meeting held on Saturday, 12 July 2025, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu assessed the progress of CCTV camera installations across locomotives and passenger coaches.
As part of Indian Railways’ safety upgrade, each coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras—two at each entrance. Locomotives will have six cameras positioned at the front, rear, and both sides to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Additionally, every locomotive cab (both front and rear) will feature one dome camera and two desk-mounted microphones to enhance surveillance and communication capabilities.
The Ministry confirmed that all cameras will meet the latest technical specifications and be STQC certified. Officials have been instructed to ensure the cameras deliver high-quality footage even at speeds of 100 kmph and under low-light conditions.
Railway authorities have also been encouraged to explore the integration of AI for analysing CCTV footage, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission, to further bolster security and operational efficiency.
Data Privacy and Safety Prioritised
Addressing concerns over data privacy, Indian Railways clarified that CCTV cameras will be installed only in common areas and near coach entrances, not in private compartments, to protect passengers’ privacy.
“The objective of installing cameras in shared movement areas is to enhance passenger safety and security,” the Ministry of Railways stated, emphasising that data privacy remains central to the initiative.
Indian Railways believes the surveillance system will aid in identifying miscreants and strengthen its broader modernisation drive.
“These modernisation efforts reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a safe, secure, and passenger-friendly travel experience,” the Ministry added.
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