Railways to Install CCTV Cameras in All Coaches and Locomotives to Bolster Passenger Safety

New Delhi: In a major step towards enhancing passenger safety and modernising surveillance infrastructure, the Indian Railways has announced that CCTV cameras will soon be installed in all railway coaches and locomotives across the country. The decision follows the success of experimental installations and aims to deter miscreants and ensure greater security for passengers.

The move was approved during a high-level review meeting held on July 12, 2025, chaired by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Senior officials from the Railway Board were also present at the meeting, which focused on assessing the progress of CCTV installations and expanding the project nationwide.

According to officials, Indian Railways will install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives. Each coach will be fitted with four dome-type cameras—two near each entrance—to ensure surveillance of common movement areas while preserving passenger privacy. Each locomotive will be equipped with six CCTV cameras: one at the front, rear, and each side, and one dome camera along with two desk-mounted microphones in each of the front and rear cabs.

The initiative is designed to provide 360-degree surveillance coverage and help prevent incidents involving miscreants or organised gangs targeting unsuspecting passengers. With the cameras placed in entry and transit zones, Railways aims to create a deterrent effect and swiftly identify any security threats.

Officials confirmed that the cameras to be deployed will meet the latest technical specifications and be certified by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC). Emphasis has been laid on ensuring that the surveillance system functions effectively even at speeds above 100 kmph and in low-light conditions.

Highlighting the role of emerging technologies, Vaishnaw encouraged officials to explore Artificial Intelligence-based analytics through collaboration with the IndiaAI mission. This could help detect suspicious behaviour in real-time and bolster predictive monitoring capabilities.

While the installation plan ensures enhanced safety, the Railways has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the privacy of passengers. Cameras will not be installed inside private compartments or seating areas, maintaining a balance between surveillance and discretion.