Indian Railways Plans To Equip 74,000 Coaches And 15,000 Locomotives With CCTV Cameras For Enhanced Security

In a significant move to bolster passenger safety and security, Indian Railways plans to install CCTV cameras across around 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives.

The initiative aims to curb miscreant activities, vandalism, and thefts while acting as a deterrent against crime and aiding investigations.

"Indian Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in coaches and locomotives. The purpose of fitting CCTV cameras is to improve safety and security of passengers. This step is expected to reduce miscreant activity, vandalism, thefts, act as deterrent against crime and aid in investigation," Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Friday (8 August).

"CCTV cameras will be installed in approximately 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives," he added.

Each coach will be equipped with four CCTV cameras, strategically placed at both entrance points, ensuring comprehensive surveillance.

Similarly, each locomotive will feature six CCTV cameras—one at the front, one at the rear, one on each side, and one in each cab—complemented by two desk-mounted microphones.

The CCTV systems will adhere to stringent quality standards, certified by the Standardization Testing and Quality Certification Directorate (STQC) and compliant with the latest Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) specifications.

These cameras are designed to deliver high-quality footage, even for trains operating at speeds of 100 kmph or higher, ensuring reliable monitoring under diverse conditions.

Trials for the CCTV installation have already been conducted on Northern Railway to evaluate their effectiveness and optimize security outcomes.

Based on the success of these trials, Zonal Railways and Production Units have been directed to implement the initiative across their fleets.

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