Traveling by train across India is a truly enriching experience. It’s not only budget-friendly but also offers breathtaking views of diverse landscapes. However, some unpleasant issues during train journeys can be a downer and can definitely spoil the mood. Hence, to enhance passenger safety and overall travel experience, Indian Railways has announced a significant initiative to install CCTV cameras in all train coaches. This decision comes after a review by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, who discussed the installation progress of these cameras in locomotives and coaches.
The primary goal of these cameras is to enhance the safety and security of passengers by monitoring common areas, thereby helping to identify any individuals who may be acting improperly. The Railways has stated that ensuring safety is their top priority, while also emphasising the importance of passenger privacy. Surveillance cameras will be positioned solely in public corridors near entrances, avoiding placement inside private compartments or seating sections.
Indian Railways Will Install Four Dome-Style Cameras
Minister Vaishnaw has given the green light for the installation of CCTV cameras in every one of the 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives. Each train coach will be equipped with four dome-style cameras, while locomotives will feature six cameras placed strategically. The Minister stressed the need for top-notch quality equipment, ensuring that clear footage is captured even when trains are moving at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour or in low-light situations.
Minister Vaishnaw also encouraged the railway authorities to look into utilizing AI technology on the data collected by these cameras, partnering with the IndiaAI mission. Following successful pilot installations, there’s a firm commitment to roll out CCTV coverage across the rail network, a move expected to significantly improve passenger safety by deterring miscreants who often target unsuspecting travelers.
While this move will surely ensure passenger safety, we hope that the cameras work and the data is used correctly.
