Indian Railways to equip trains with 75 lakh AI-powered CCTV cameras

In an effort to increase train safety, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav revealed plans to install 75 million AI-powered CCTV cameras in coaches and locomotives at a cost of about Rs 15,000 crore.

These cameras will monitor tracks for suspicious objects and alert drivers to apply emergency brakes. The project intends to fortify railway safety measures and avert mishaps. The development has come amid reports claiming sinister design to derail trains in India.

The government is planning to install these cameras in 40,000 coaches, 14,000 locomotives and 6,000 EMUs.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced the decision amid repeated train accidents in the country and the alleged derailment bids.

The Indian Railways has also planned to strengthen the security arrangements of the railway tracks. The discussions are underway to finalise the range of AI-equipped CCTV cameras to be installed on the locomotives.

This security project may cost almost Rs 15,000 crore to the government.

Cameras will be installed in the front, rear and sides of the engine and guard coach of the trains. Cameras will also be installed on cattle guards and bogies, Vaishnaw told reporters.    

The minister also said that within three months, a tender will be floated for installation of the cameras.

Besides the installation of multiple cameras, a common data centre will also be set up where all the feeds coming from these cameras will be kept for record, the minister said terming the recent incidents of suspected bids to derail trains as “very serious”, the minister said the Railway administration is reaching out to the police chiefs of various states urging them to enhance vigilance for the safety of the railway tracks.

“There is also focus on enhancing the intelligence network and public awareness to prevent any bid to derail trains,” sources said.