In a landmark move to modernise rail travel and enhance passenger safety, Indian Railways has announced the installation of CCTV cameras in all 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives across the country, starting this year.
Each coach will be fitted with four high-definition dome cameras in common corridors and entryways, while each locomotive will have six cameras and two microphones for real-time monitoring.
The decision, finalised after a high-level review led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu on July 12, 2025, comes on the back of successful pilot projects in the Northern Railway zone.
Railway officials have assured that privacy will be strictly maintained, with cameras installed only in shared spaces and not in private compartments.
Modern Tech for Safer Journeys
The Ministry of Railways has detailed an ambitious plan to deploy advanced surveillance systems across the nation’s vast rail network. Each coach will receive four dome-type CCTV cameras strategically placed at entrances and common corridors to monitor passenger movement and deter potential miscreants.
Locomotives will be equipped with six cameras covering the front, rear, both sides, and inside the cab, along with two microphones for audio recording. All equipment will be STQC certified, ensuring durability and high-quality footage even at speeds exceeding 100 kmph or in low-light conditions.
“The safety of passengers is our utmost priority. This comprehensive surveillance system will act as a deterrent against crime and help us respond swiftly to any untoward incident,” said Dharmendra Tewari, ADG PIB Railway.
The Railways is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission, to enable real-time alerts and advanced analytics for improved monitoring.
From Trials to Transformation: The Road So Far
This nationwide rollout follows encouraging results from pilot installations in the Northern Railway, where CCTV cameras have already demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing theft, deterring organised gangs, and assisting authorities in resolving disputes.
The July 12 review meeting, which included top Railway Board officials, focused on ensuring that the new systems adhere to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and data protection. Tenders for the installation were floated on July 11, 2025, and the project will cover all types of coaches LHB, ICF, and EMU/MEMU/DEMU.
Officials have repeatedly emphasised that cameras will be limited to public corridors and entry points, with no surveillance inside sleeping or seating compartments, in response to ongoing concerns about privacy and data misuse.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian welcomes this bold step towards a safer and more accountable railway system, recognising the delicate balance between public security and individual privacy. By leveraging technology and AI, Indian Railways is not only deterring crime but also setting a precedent for transparent and responsible surveillance in public spaces. However, as this transformation unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to maintain clear guidelines on data use, retention, and access, ensuring that the rights of passengers are never compromised. Do you think this move will make your train journeys feel safer, or do you have concerns about surveillance and privacy? How can we, as a society, ensure that technology empowers rather than intrudes?
