Indian Railways to Install High-Tech CCTV Cameras in All Coaches and Locomotives for Enhanced Passenger Safety
New Delhi, 14th July 2025: In a major push towards strengthening passenger security and monitoring, Indian Railways has announced a nationwide rollout of high-definition CCTV cameras in all its 74,000 train coaches and 15,000 electric locomotives. The move comes after a successful pilot project in Northern Railway and has received the green signal from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a meeting held on July 12.
The comprehensive surveillance plan includes the installation of four dome-type CCTV cameras in every coach—two at each entrance—ensuring round-the-clock monitoring of passenger movement and activity. In the case of locomotives, six cameras will be mounted to cover the front, rear, and both sides of each engine. Additionally, each locomotive cabin will be equipped with a dome camera and two desk-mounted microphones to enhance operational oversight.
“These cameras will be deployed only in common areas near the doors, respecting passenger privacy while ensuring safety,” a senior railway official said. “The equipment will be STQC-certified and designed to capture high-quality footage, even at speeds above 100 kmph and in low-light conditions.”
The surveillance system will also leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze camera data in real time. Developed in collaboration with the India AI Mission, this technology will assist authorities in identifying suspicious behavior, enabling prompt response to incidents like theft, vandalism, or anti-social activities onboard trains.
Railway officials have emphasized that no compromise will be made on footage clarity and data security. The system aims to provide a strong deterrent against crimes and property damage, while also bolstering passenger confidence in onboard safety.
The nationwide implementation marks one of the largest surveillance upgrades in Indian Railways history and is expected to significantly improve monitoring capabilities across the entire network.
