Indian Railways to Install CCTV Cameras in All Coaches and Locos to Boost Passenger Safety

All 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives will be equipped with high-tech CCTV systems, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance, privacy protection, and enhanced security.

New Delhi –In a major step toward enhancing passenger safety and security, the Indian Railways has announced the installation of CCTV cameras in all its 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives. The initiative comes after successful trials conducted on the Northern Railway network, which demonstrated the effectiveness of surveillance in deterring crimes and improving operational transparency.

A high-level review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, held on July 12, 2025, greenlit the nationwide rollout. Senior officials from the Railway Board were present to evaluate technical specifications and progress.

Each coach will be fitted with four dome-type CCTV cameras—two at each entrance vestibule—to cover common movement areas while ensuring passengers’ privacy. Locomotives will receive six CCTV cameras—including cameras facing forward, rearward, and laterally. Additionally, both front and rear cabs of locomotives will feature dome cameras and desk-mounted microphones for real-time monitoring and audio recording.

The cameras will be STQC certified, equipped with modern specifications to capture high-definition footage even at train speeds exceeding 100 kmph and under low-light conditions. Emphasizing the use of Artificial Intelligence, Vaishnaw directed officials to explore AI-based analysis for proactive monitoring, under the umbrella of the IndiaAI mission.

“Modern surveillance is the need of the hour. This move will enhance security, discourage miscreants, and make Indian Railways a safer mode of transport,” said Vaishnaw. He reiterated the importance of maintaining data privacy, ensuring that surveillance systems focus on public areas only and avoid any intrusion into passengers’ private spaces.

This modernization effort aligns with Indian Railways’ broader mission of providing safe, secure, and smart travel experiences. It is expected to significantly reduce incidents of theft, harassment, and other crimes, and bring a new level of transparency and confidence for millions of daily travelers.

With implementation expected to begin in phases, the Indian Railways is poised to set a new benchmark in public transport surveillance and safety standards across the globe.