Mumbai: Railways To Enhance Passenger Safety With Upgraded CCTV Cameras And Face Recognition System

Mumbai, 30th October 2023: The Mumbai Railways has initiated a comprehensive plan to install 4000 state-of-the-art CCTV cameras at 72 railway stations across the city. These cameras, which are equipped with a ‘Face Recognition System,’ aim to enhance security and aid the Railway Police in crime prevention.

A noteworthy feature of this security upgrade is the inclusion of a panic button in select CCTV cameras. The panic button allows passengers and onlookers to signal for immediate assistance during emergencies. When activated, these specialised cameras will instantly focus on the distress area, providing vital information to the railway police in real-time. These efforts aim to ensure a swift response while also capturing crucial evidence of the incident.

As part of this programme, these CCTV cameras with panic buttons have already been deployed at four stations, including Byculla, Curry Road, Chinchpokli, and Masjid Bandar, for testing and inspection.

The central focus of this scheme is to cover 72 railway stations on the Central Railway network with CCTV surveillance. The plan allocates 300 CCTV cameras to each of the six major railway stations, namely Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Panvel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Kalyan, and Thane. The remaining stations will get a minimum of 30 to 50 CCTV cameras each.

Dr. Ravindra Shisve, the Mumbai Railway Police Commissioner, expressed his confidence in the new technology’s potential to enhance passenger safety and prevent crimes. “The ‘Face Recognition System’ integrated into the cameras promises to be a valuable tool for law enforcement in identifying potential threats and criminal activity swiftly,” he said.

In particular, the addition of panic buttons on select cameras will help to ensure the safety of women and prevent various incidents. This feature empowers passengers and witnesses to take swift action in the face of danger, allowing the authorities to respond effectively. It is expected that this comprehensive upgrade will not only boost passenger safety but also contribute to a safer and more secure commuting experience for all.