New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) Indian Railways has deployed AI-powered video surveillance systems aimed at enhancing passenger safety across 1,874 stations. This initiative, part of the innovative measures introduced for the year 2025-26, includes automated detection for events such as intrusion and loitering, supplemented by facial recognition technology for real-time monitoring and identification, according to an official announcement made on Tuesday.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of this technology, asserting that “the cameras will be the eyes of the system, and AI will be its brain,” underscoring how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing railway security.

Moreover, passenger information systems have undergone significant upgrades with the enhancement of the Integrated Passenger Information System (IPIS). This system is equipped with Electronic Train Indicator Boards, Coach Guidance Systems, and Public Address Systems, facilitating the prompt distribution of train-related data. The integration of IPIS with the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) allows for automatic, real-time announcements at stations, achieved at 1,405 locations across Indian Railways.

To further improve communication, Tunnel Communication Systems have been implemented in various railway zones, including the strategically important Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This system guarantees uninterrupted radio communication between personnel inside tunnels and headquarters, thus enhancing safety and coordination in challenging environments, as explained in the statement.

A notable milestone is the advancement of the Unified Telecom Backbone Infrastructure through Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) technology. This robust network is being developed to meet current and future bandwidth needs for critical railway applications. It enables centralized access to video surveillance and supports core railway systems such as Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC), Passenger Reservation System (PRS), Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS), Freight Operations Information System (FOIS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), video conferencing, and other operational tools.

As of now, IP MPLS has been successfully commissioned at 1,396 railway stations, marking a pivotal advancement towards a digitally integrated railway ecosystem, the statement revealed.

These initiatives undertaken this year are a testament to Indian Railways’ dedication to adopting cutting-edge technology and innovation in building a safer, smarter, and more efficient railway network.

The ongoing development of telecom infrastructure, the deployment of AI-driven systems, and the enhancement of passenger information services are collectively moving towards a modernized rail ecosystem that is responsive to passenger needs and aligns with the vision of Digital India, the statement concluded.