Railways To Install 75 Lakh AI-Powered Cameras In Trains Amid Sabotage Incidents

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday announced that it will install 75 lakh AI-powered CCTV cameras in trains as it was taking suspected bids to derail trains very seriously. The AI-powered cameras will be installed in both – locomotives and coaches – to detect suspicious objects on the tracks. The development has come amid reports claiming sinister design to derail trains in India.

With the help of AI technology, cameras will be able to detect suspicious objects on the tracks and alert drivers to apply emergency brakes. The government's plan is to equip 40,000 coaches, 14,000 locomotives and 6,000 EMUs with AI-powered CCTV cameras.

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

Apart from AI-powered cameras, the Indian Railways has decided that the security arrangements of the railway tracks will also be strengthened. The discussions are underway to finalise the range of AI-equipped CCTV cameras to be installed on the locomotives.

This security project will cost the government approximately Rs 15,000 crore.

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.

A tender will be floated within three months for the installation of the cameras, he said, adding that all trains will be covered.

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.