Indian Railways to Install CCTV Cameras in All Coaches and Locos for Enhanced Passenger Safety
In a major step to enhance passenger security, Indian Railways has announced the large-scale installation of CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives across the country. This decision follows successful trials and a positive response to earlier experimental installations of surveillance systems in select passenger coaches.
The initiative was greenlit during a review meeting held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, attended by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, and senior officials of the Railway Board. The goal is to implement modern surveillance solutions that address rising safety concerns on trains.
Each coach will be equipped with 4 dome-type CCTV cameras, positioned near the entrances to ensure coverage of the common movement areas, safeguarding passenger privacy. Locomotives will receive 6 high-resolution CCTV cameras, including front, rear, side views, and cab interiors. Additionally, microphones will be installed in the driving cabs for improved audio monitoring.
Railway officials confirmed that successful trials were conducted in the Northern Railway, where the system demonstrated reliable video capture, even at speeds exceeding 100 kmph and in low-light conditions. The cameras to be installed will be STQC certified, ensuring quality and reliability.
Highlighting the role of technology in security, the Railway Minister stressed the need for the highest quality equipment and encouraged integration with AI-based surveillance analysis through collaboration with the IndiaAI mission. This could enable intelligent threat detection, alert mechanisms, and post-incident analysis, significantly boosting safety standards.
Importantly, the Ministry has reassured that passenger privacy remains a priority. Cameras will not be installed in private areas such as berths or toilets, but only in shared zones like coach entryways, aiming to deter crime without intruding on personal space.
Miscreants and organized gangs often exploit unsuspecting passengers in crowded trains. With 360-degree video surveillance, such incidents are expected to drop sharply. The data collected may also help in identifying and acting against repeated offenders.
This modernization effort underlines Indian Railways’ commitment to delivering a safe, secure, and passenger-friendly travel experience, aligning with the government’s larger vision of Digital India and smart public infrastructure.
