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Railway Authorities Install Surveillance Cameras in Over 11,000 Trains for Enhanced Safety, as Per Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's Announcement

Railways in India have installed CCTV cameras in 11,535 coaches across various zones to enhance passenger safety and security, reports stated on Wednesday.

Railway Authorities Equip Over 11,000 Trains with Security Cameras: Announcement by Minister...
Railway Authorities Equip Over 11,000 Trains with Security Cameras: Announcement by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Authorities Install Surveillance Cameras in Over 11,000 Trains for Enhanced Safety, as Per Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's Announcement

In a bid to enhance the safety and security of passengers, the Indian Railways is planning a significant upgrade. The railways minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently revealed that the organisation aims to install CCTV cameras in approximately 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives.

CCTV Cameras in Coaches

Each coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras, strategically placed to monitor common movement areas. Two cameras will be installed at each entrance way, ensuring coverage of the most frequented areas without infringing on passenger privacy. These cameras will be certified by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) to deliver high-quality footage, even at high speeds and under low-light conditions.

CCTV Cameras in Locomotives

Each locomotive will be fitted with six CCTV cameras. One camera will be positioned at the front, rear, and on both sides of the locomotive. Additionally, each cab (front and rear) will have one dome-type CCTV camera for comprehensive monitoring. Each cab will also feature two desk-mounted microphones for audio monitoring.

Technology Upgradation

The CCTV cameras will be STQC certified and meet the latest Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) specifications. This initiative is part of a wider technology upgradation for the Indian Railways, which includes exploring real-time monitoring capabilities and AI integration. However, no specific details have been provided about the current status or timeline for the completion of the CCTV camera installation process or the AI integration plans.

This move is expected to significantly improve passenger safety by deterring miscreants and enabling faster response to incidents. The railways minister provided this information in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

In addition to the CCTV camera installation, the Indian Railways has taken steps to cater to the travel demand of low and middle-income families. Over the next 5 years, the railways plan to add 17,000 non-AC coaches (general/sleeper).

Moreover, the railways have increased facilities for passengers traveling in unreserved coaches to meet the demand of passengers. In the financial year 2024-25, 1,250 general coaches have been utilized in long-distance trains.

As of now, 11,535 coaches have already been fitted with CCTV cameras. However, no details were provided about how the CCTV cameras or technology upgrades might affect the privacy of passengers in the locomotives.

[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]

  1. The upgrade in technology of the Indian Railways is not restricted to CCTV cameras only; it also includes exploring real-time monitoring capabilities and AI integration.
  2. The data and cloud-computing aspect of this technology upgradation could potentially include storing footage from the CCTV cameras, possibly entailing policy-and-legislation discussions regarding privacy concerns.
  3. General news outlets have reported that the railways aim to install CCTV cameras in over 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives, but there is no clear timeline as to when these installations will be completed or whether the AI integration will follow.

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