Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways has equipped more than 12,300 passenger coaches and 460 locomotives with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as part of ongoing efforts to enhance onboard safety and security for passengers and staff.
The installation of surveillance systems across a growing share of rolling stock reflects the railways’ commitment to adopting modern technology for enhanced monitoring and security management. CCTV cameras help in deterring anti-social behaviour, assisting onboard staff with real-time incident awareness, and providing valuable visual evidence when addressing safety concerns.
Officials said the initiative is being progressively expanded across the railways network, with cameras installed in passenger coaches, guard vans and locomotive cabs. The technology deployment forms part of a broader safety enhancement strategy that includes improved communication systems, automated alarm features and integration with backend monitoring infrastructure.
Vaishnaw noted that the adoption of CCTV systems aligns with the railways’ wider digital transformation priorities and will contribute to better passenger experience through enhanced security oversight. The surveillance data collected can also support investigations and help officials analyse patterns to prevent recurrence of incidents onboard.
The move comes against a backdrop of sustained efforts to strengthen safety measures across the country’s rail network, which carries millions of passengers daily. The integration of cameras into locomotives and coaches is expected to boost confidence in rail travel, especially on long-distance and overnight services.
Officials indicated that the rollout of CCTV cameras will continue in phases, with priority given to high-density routes and trains operating in challenging terrain or high-traffic corridors. The broader safety upgrade plan includes complementary systems such as emergency communication links, passenger information displays and analytic tools that enhance situational awareness for rail staff.
The installation of CCTV cameras across thousands of coaches and hundreds of locomotives marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ journey toward a more secure and technologically advanced passenger transport system.
