Railways to install CCTV cameras in 74,000 coaches, 15,000 locomotives for safety

In a mega drive to enhance passenger safety, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the installation of CCTV cameras in the common movement area near the doors in all 74,000 coaches, an official has said. The CCTV cameras in all coaches will significantly improve passenger safety and deter miscreants and organised gangs who take advantage of passengers. The decision follows the successful CCTV camera trials carried out in the loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway.

Vaishnaw, along with Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, and officials of the Railway Board reviewed the progress of CCTV cameras' trials and installation in locomotives and coaches at a meeting on Saturday, according to a statement. The Union Minister has now given a go-ahead to install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locos.

"Each railway coach will be covered with four dome-type CCTV cameras - two in each entrance way, and each locomotive will have six CCTV cameras. This will include one camera each at the front, rear and on both sides of the locomotive. Each cab (front and rear) of a loco will be fitted with one dome CCTV camera and two desk-mounted microphones," an official said.