Indian Railways has approved the installation of CCTV cameras across all passenger coaches and locomotives. This decision comes after the successful experimental deployment of cameras in select coaches, which showed encouraging results in preventing theft and identifying miscreants.
To maintain passenger privacy, cameras will be positioned only in common areas near coach entrances. Officials believe this step will help deter criminal activities and protect vulnerable passengers from theft or harassment.
The initiative was reviewed in a high-level meeting held on Saturday, 12th July 2025, chaired by Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Railways Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu. Senior officials from the Railway Board also participated in the meeting.
Railway officials shared that extensive trials conducted in Northern Railway coaches and locomotives proved successful. As a result, the Railways will now install surveillance systems in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives. Each coach will have four dome-type CCTV cameras, two at each entrance. Every locomotive will feature six cameras for full 360-degree coverage, including front, rear, and side views. Additionally, each cab will include a dome camera and two microphones.
The surveillance equipment will meet the highest standards and be STQC certified. The Union Minister stressed the need for high-quality footage, even at speeds exceeding 100 kmph and in low-light conditions. He also encouraged the integration of AI-based monitoring in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission.
With a clear focus on both safety and privacy, Indian Railways aims to modernize its infrastructure and provide a more secure and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
