Indian Railways to install CCTVs on all 74,000 coaches, 15,000 locomotives with an  eye on passenger safety

The new system will deploy state-of-the-art, STQC-certified equipment capable of capturing high-resolution footage even at speeds exceeding 100 km/h and under low-light conditions

In a major step toward improving onboard safety and surveillance, Indian Railways on Sunday announced that it will install CCTV cameras across all 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives. The decision comes after a successful pilot project in select coaches and locomotives, which yielded promising results in deterring miscreant activity.

The initiative was reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu on July 12. Senior Railway Board officials were also present. Officials briefed the ministers on the successful trials conducted in Northern Railway zones, which tested CCTV placement and functionality in various onboard conditions.

As per the rollout plan, each coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras — two near each entrance area — providing extensive coverage of common movement spaces without encroaching on passenger privacy. Locomotives will receive six cameras each, positioned to monitor front, rear, and lateral views, along with cab-mounted surveillance and microphones for comprehensive audio-visual documentation.

"The new system will deploy state-of-the-art, STQC-certified equipment capable of capturing high-resolution footage even at speeds exceeding 100 km/h and under low-light conditions," Railway Ministry said in a statement. The ministers also emphasised the importance of integrating AI technologies with the surveillance system, encouraging coordination with the IndiaAI mission to analyse and respond to recorded data more efficiently.

Railway officials said that the CCTV coverage will act as a deterrent against organised crime and petty theft, which often target unsuspecting passengers. The deployment aims to bolster passenger confidence while traveling and aligns with the broader modernisation vision of Indian Railways — combining safety, innovation, and passenger-centricity without compromising on individual privacy.

"With privacy-respecting camera placement and modern surveillance capabilities, this initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring a secure journey for millions of rail passengers across India," Railway Ministry said in a statement.