Railway Ministry's Big Move: CCTV Cameras

• Jul 14, 2025

In a significant step towards ensuring passenger safety and enhancing transparency, the Indian Ministry of Railways has announced that CCTV cameras will now be installed in every coach and engine of trains across the country. This landmark decision marks a bold push towards technology-driven safety protocols in the Indian Railways system.

🚆 What Does the New Policy Include?

Under the new initiative:

• All coaches, including general, sleeper, and AC classes, will be fitted with high-definition CCTV cameras.

• Locomotive engines will also have surveillance systems to monitor both the driver's cabin and external movement.

• The cameras will have real-time recording, remote access, and storage capabilities for a defined period.

• Footage will be monitored by designated personnel, ensuring quick response to any incident onboard.

🎯 Objective: Passenger Safety First

This decision comes in the backdrop of rising concerns over:

• The security of women and elderly passengers,

• Prevention of theft, harassment, or suspicious activities onboard,

• Need for better transparency and accountability in train operations.

A Railway Ministry official stated,

“CCTV surveillance will act as a deterrent to criminal activities and help authorities respond quickly in emergencies. The safety and comfort of passengers remain our top priority.”

🔧 Implementation Strategy

The project will be executed in phases:

• First phase: High-traffic routes and premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat.

• Second phase: Expansion to mail/express trains and eventually all long-distance and suburban trains.

• Funding will come from Nirbhaya Fund, internal rail budgets, and CSR initiatives from PSUs.

🔍 Privacy and Legal Framework

The ministry has assured that privacy protocols will be strictly followed:

• CCTV cameras will not be placed inside toilets or changing areas.

• Data will be encrypted and accessible only to authorized officials for investigation or security purposes.

🚀 A Step Towards Modern Railways

With this initiative, India joins the ranks of countries like Japan, the UK, and Germany, where smart surveillance systems are part of daily rail travel. It also aligns with the Indian government's vision of “Smart Railways”, integrating safety with modernization.