Western Railway (WR) will soon equip 978 of its freight and passenger engines with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled CCTV cameras at an estimated cost of Rs 1 billion. The initiative aims to enhance safety, improve accident analysis, and increase operational transparency across its network, including the Mumbai region.

According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of WR, “The AI cameras will monitor track conditions, railway crossings, and surrounding activity, helping identify the causes of accidents and enhancing post-incident investigations.”

The plan covers 810 electric and 168 diesel locomotives in WR’s fleet. Each engine will have six high-definition, high-resolution cameras—two inside the driving cabs, four facing outward in all directions, and one dedicated to scanning the periphery. These 360-degree cameras will record continuously in offline mode to ensure data security and prevent unauthorised access.

The tender process for this project will prioritise bidders capable of delivering both proprietary software and hardware, including source codes. Installation is targeted for completion by March 2026.

The AI-driven surveillance system is part of Western Railway’s broader push to bolster safety, accountability, and incident response capabilities through advanced monitoring technology.