New Delhi, July 14, 2025: In a major step to boost passenger safety, Indian Railways has announced the installation of CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives across the country. This decision follows the success of pilot trials conducted in select trains under the Northern Railway zone.
Why CCTV Surveillance Is Needed
With rising concerns over onboard safety, especially in sleeper coaches and general compartments, miscreant activity and organized gangs have become serious challenges. Vulnerable passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, are often the targets of theft and harassment.
The introduction of CCTV cameras will act as a strong deterrent. It will also help in real-time monitoring and evidence collection. The move aims to restore passenger confidence and ensure a secure travel experience.
Ministers Review the Safety Upgrade
Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu chaired a high-level meeting on July 12, 2025. They reviewed the ongoing installation progress and outlined the next steps.
Senior Railway Board officials attended the review, where the success of the Northern Railway trials was discussed. The ministers approved a nationwide rollout with an emphasis on quality and privacy.
Coverage Across 360 Degrees
The plan ensures comprehensive coverage in both passenger coaches and locomotive cabins. Each railway coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras — two at each entry door. Each locomotive will get six CCTV cameras, including:
- One at the front
- One at the rear
- One on each side of the loco body
- One dome camera each in front and rear cab
Additionally, two desk-mounted microphones will be installed per loco to capture ambient sound. This setup ensures 360-degree surveillance while keeping the privacy of passengers intact.
High-Tech Surveillance for Modern Safety
Railway officials confirmed that only STQC-certified, high-specification cameras will be used. These advanced cameras can record high-quality footage even at speeds above 100 kmph and in low-light conditions. This will help authorities identify incidents quickly and accurately.
Shri Vaishnaw also urged the Railway Board to explore the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in analyzing surveillance data. He suggested collaborating with the IndiaAI mission to improve threat detection and automated alert systems.
Privacy First, Safety Always
To address privacy concerns, CCTV cameras will only be installed in common movement areas near the coach doors. There will be no surveillance in personal or sleeping areas. This balance aims to protect individual privacy while improving safety.
The data will be encrypted and stored securely. Only authorized personnel will have access, and usage will follow strict protocol under the IT Act and Railway guidelines.
Transforming Indian Railways
This step is part of a broader modernization effort by Indian Railways. Over the past decade, the national carrier has rolled out bio-toilets, Wi-Fi at stations, smart ticketing, and now AI-powered security upgrades.
The CCTV installation plan reaffirms Indian Railways’ commitment to creating a safe, secure, and passenger-friendly environment. This transformation will not only enhance operational efficiency but also elevate public trust.
Voices of Assurance
“Our goal is to make every journey safer,” said Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. “With these cameras, we’re not just watching — we’re protecting. Every passenger matters.”
“We want to ensure that families can travel with peace of mind. Surveillance is a step forward in making Indian Railways globally competitive and reliable,” added Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu.
What Comes Next?
The Railway Board will begin phase-wise implementation starting with high-traffic and sensitive routes. Special focus will be given to trains operating overnight, in remote areas, and in women-only compartments.
With over 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locos to cover, the full rollout is expected to complete by mid-2026. Passenger awareness campaigns will also be launched to explain the benefits and address any concerns.
