Will Railways Install CCTV Cameras in All 74,000 Coaches for Enhanced Safety?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Installation of CCTV cameras in all 74,000 railway coaches.
- Enhanced passenger safety through advanced surveillance.
- Use of AI technology to analyze data from CCTV footage.
- Successful trials conducted in Northern Railway.
- Commitment of Indian Railways towards modernization and security.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering passenger safety, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has sanctioned the installation of CCTV cameras in the common movement areas near the doors of all 74,000 coaches, as disclosed by an official on Sunday.
The implementation of these CCTV cameras will greatly enhance passenger safety and act as a deterrent against miscreants and organized gangs that exploit unsuspecting passengers, according to the official.
This decision follows the successful trials of CCTV cameras conducted in the locomotives and coaches of the Northern Railway, the official added.
During a meeting on Saturday, Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu and Railway Board officials, assessed the progress of CCTV camera trials and their installation in both locomotives and coaches, as stated in a released statement.
The Union Minister has now provided the green light to equip all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locos with CCTV cameras.
“Every railway coach will be outfitted with four dome-type CCTV cameras – two at each entrance, while each locomotive will feature six CCTV cameras. This setup will encompass one camera at the front, rear, and both sides of the locomotive. Each cab (front and rear) of a locomotive will also be equipped with one dome CCTV camera and two desk-mounted microphones,” explained the official.
Vaishnaw urged railway officials to ensure high-quality footage is captured even at speeds exceeding 100 km/h and in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the Railway Minister encouraged officials to investigate the potential use of AI in analyzing the data collected by the CCTV cameras, in partnership with the IndiaAI mission.
The official statement emphasized that the installation of cameras in common movement areas is intended to enhance the safety and security of passengers. While maintaining privacy, these cameras will aid in identifying offenders.
The modernization efforts of Indian Railways signify its dedication to providing a safe, secure, and passenger-friendly travel experience, according to the official.