Vijayawada Division Conducts Media Tour to Showcase Onboard CCTV Surveillance Initiative

As part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious national CCTV Surveillance Initiative, the Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway today conducted a guided media tour at the Vijayawada Coaching Depot to demonstrate the latest in-coach CCTV surveillance technology.

The event was graced by Shri Narendra A. Patil, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Vijayawada Division, who addressed media personnel and underscored the initiative’s significance in enhancing passenger safety. Other key officials present included Shri P.E. Edwin, ADRM (Infrastructure); Shri Sanjay Angothu, Sr. Divisional Mechanical Engineer; Shri G. Uday Bhaskar, Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Diesel Loco Shed; Shri Hari Siva Prasad, Coaching Depot Officer, and Ms. Nusrat M Mandrupkar, Public Relations Officer. This was first such event on Indian Railways for the regional media fraternity showcasing Onboard CCTV Cameras.

The event aimed to highlight the vision of Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, to equip 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives with high-definition CCTV cameras, thereby ushering in a new era of digital safety and modernisation for the Indian Railways network.

Speaking to the press, Shri Narendra A. Patil, DRM, said, “We’re not just installing cameras, we’re building trust. For our passengers, this means travelling with greater confidence. For our railway staff, it means better monitoring of onboard services. And for all of us, it means we’re modernising Indian Railways for the 21st century. We’re demonstrating that safety and privacy can go hand in hand, with cameras placed only in common movement areas and not in private compartments.”

The new configuration includes six high-definition dome cameras per coach; two at each entrance and two inside the coach pathways, equipped with low-light capability and certified for use in high-speed trains. Locomotives will feature six cameras and two desk-mounted microphones to provide comprehensive situational awareness for loco pilots and crew.

Elaborating on the safety features, Shri P.E. Edwin, ADRM (Infrastructure) remarked, “This initiative is not just about surveillance, it’s about strengthening our overall safety ecosystem. These advanced CCTV systems act as both a deterrent and a tool for post-incident investigation, while their thoughtful placement ensures passenger privacy is fully respected.”

The initiative follows successful pilot trials and will be rolled out in a phased manner, prioritising high-traffic corridors, security-sensitive routes, and long-distance services.

This effort marks a transformative step in Indian Railways’ mission to ensure safe, efficient, and secure travel for over 20 million daily passengers. The Vijayawada Division remains committed to supporting this national agenda through timely and effective implementation.

SCR BZA  PR No.69
Date:16th July 2025