Indian Railways is now going to adopt a 360-degree surveillance system for the safety of passengers. To increase the safety of passengers, the Railways has taken a historic decision to install CCTV cameras in all passenger coaches and engines. This decision has been taken after successful testing of cameras on some routes. Railways has decided to install high-tech CCTV in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives (electric engines) in the country. This decision of the Railways will further strengthen the safety of passengers. Also, this will keep a close watch on mischievous elements.

Passengers will get ‘unprecedented’ benefits

Railways said that CCTV cameras were tested in the Northern Railway. Positive response was received from railway employees and passengers, and given this, it was decided to implement this project across the country. After getting the green signal from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, the Railway Ministry announced the project on Sunday. The Railway Minister reviewed the progress of installing cameras in locomotives and coaches. Senior officials of the Railway Board were also present at this meeting. Officials say that this move of the railways will be of great benefit to the passengers. This will be a new era of security where every passenger will feel more secure.

Control over crimes

CCTV cameras will monitor every activity happening inside and outside the trains. This will help prevent theft, tampering, and other criminal incidents.

Quick response

In case of any untoward incident, immediate action can be taken based on the footage, making it easier to catch the criminals.

Security of property

A strict watch can also be kept on anti-social elements who damage railway property, ensuring the safety of public property.

4 cameras in every coach, 6 in the engine

Giving top priority to security, the railways have also taken special care of the number of cameras and their location:

‘Vigilance’ in passenger coach

Four dome-type cameras will be installed in every coach of the train. Two of these cameras will be installed at the main gate of the coach. This will help monitor activities inside and outside the coach, making passengers feel safe, and any suspicious activity can be noticed immediately.

‘Comprehensive’ coverage in locomotives

Each locomotive will have six cameras. These will include one camera in the front, one behind, and one each for the coaches on both sides. This will help the driver keep an eye on the situation around the train. Also, dome cameras and desk-mounted microphones will be installed, so that clear voice and images are obtained. This will play an important role in preventing accidents and investigating any incident.

With the help of AI, a ‘noose’ on criminals

This project is not limited to just installing cameras, but modern technology will also be used extensively in it:

Clarity even at high speed and low light

These cameras will work even at high speed and in low light. The Ministry of Electronics will standardize, test, and quality certify them. This means that the cameras will give high-quality footage even if the train is running at a speed of 100 km per hour. This will help in identifying the criminals and tightening the noose against them.

Data analysis with AI

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has instructed the officials to use the data obtained from CCTV with AI (Artificial Intelligence). For this, Railways will work closely with the India AI Mission. This will make data analysis easier and will lead to unprecedented improvement in security. AI can instantly identify suspicious activities or unusual patterns, which will help security personnel to take immediate action.

The safety of women and children is paramount

This initiative will increase the safety of women and children manifold. Molestation, robbery, and activities of anti-social elements can be closely monitored. Also, strict action can be taken against those who damage railway property. This step will instill a sense of confidence and security in the passengers.