Railways steps up AI surveillance to strengthen passenger safety

Indian Railways has intensified the deployment of artificial intelligence-based surveillance systems, drones and CCTV networks across its rail infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen passenger and operational safety.

The decision follows recent incidents, including fire-related cases, in which preliminary investigations pointed to the possible involvement of anti-social elements, officials said after a high-level security review meeting held at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting was chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw and attended by Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu, besides senior Railway Board officials and field officers from across the country.

Officials said the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had been directed to strengthen intelligence gathering at the beat level and improve coordination between field units and the Railway Board headquarters. Discussions also focused on expanding CCTV coverage, upgrading camera specifications and deploying AI-based monitoring systems to process security inputs more effectively.

The meeting reviewed measures to enhance cyber security and improve information-sharing mechanisms between the RPF and the Government Railway Police for better security management across the railway network.

Officials noted that prompt intervention by railway authorities in several recent incidents had helped avert major mishaps.

The Railways has appealed to passengers to remain vigilant during travel and at railway stations and report any suspicious activity through the railway helpline number 139.