In a major push to enhance passenger safety and surveillance, the North Central Railway (NCR) has announced plans to install CCTV cameras in all passenger coaches operating across its Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Agra divisions. The initiative will cover a total of 1,782 coaches—comprising 895 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches and 887 Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches.

The camera installation drive forms part of NCR’s broader safety strategy aimed at providing secure travel experiences for millions of passengers. The project will be executed in phases, with priority given to key trains such as the Prayagraj–Dr Ambedkar Nagar Express, Kalindi Express, Prayagraj–Lalgarh Express, Subedarganj–Dehradun Express, Subedarganj–Meerut City Sangam Express, and Subedarganj–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Jammu Mail.

Premium trains like the Prayagraj Express and Shramshakti Express will be equipped with advanced AI-enabled CCTV systems. These smart cameras are capable of real-time monitoring, identifying suspicious behaviour, and alerting authorities instantly—significantly improving crime prevention and emergency response.

According to NCR, each AC coach, whether first, second, third class or chair car, will be fitted with four high-definition cameras. General coaches, SLR coaches, and pantry cars will have six cameras each to ensure full coverage. The cameras are designed to record clear footage at speeds exceeding 100 kmph and operate effectively in low-light conditions.

Strategically installed at entry points, corridors, and passenger movement zones, the surveillance footage will be streamed in real-time to monitoring centres at the NCR headquarters and the divisional railway manager offices in Prayagraj, Jhansi, and Agra.

Shashikant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer of NCR, said, “This initiative reflects the Railways’ commitment to secure travel. It will help deter unlawful activities and enable quicker investigations.”

The project aligns with Indian Railways’ nationwide digital transformation efforts, which include the deployment of CCTV cameras at stations and AI-based security systems. As passenger volumes rise and security dynamics evolve, such modernisation measures are crucial in building a safer, more passenger-friendly rail network.