Following the positive outcomes of experimental CCTV installations in passenger coaches, Indian Railways has decided to equip all coaches with surveillance cameras.
Each railway coach will be fitted with four dome-type CCTV cameras—two at each entrance. Additionally, each locomotive will have six CCTV cameras: one each at the front, rear, and both sides of the engine. Each cab (front and rear) will be equipped with one dome CCTV camera and two desk-mounted microphones.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance passenger safety, an official release stated on Sunday. Authorities noted that miscreants and organized gangs often exploit unsuspecting passengers, and the presence of surveillance cameras is likely to deter such activities.
To preserve passenger privacy, CCTV cameras will only be installed in common movement areas near the doors, the statement clarified.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of CCTV installation during a meeting held on Saturday. Officials shared that the cameras would meet the latest technical specifications.
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the need to deploy best-in-class equipment, urging railway officials to ensure that high-quality footage remains available even when trains are running at speeds exceeding 100 km/h and in low-light conditions.
He also encouraged exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the data captured by CCTV systems, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission.
The primary objective of installing cameras in the common areas of coaches is to enhance passenger safety and security. While maintaining privacy, the cameras will help in identifying miscreants, the official statement added.
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