New Delhi: Based on the positive outcome of experimental installation of CCTV cameras in passenger coaches Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all coaches. This move will significantly improve passenger safety as there have been many instances of miscreants and organised gangs taking advantage of passengers. With cameras such incidents will significantly reduce. To preserve the privacy of passengers CCTV cameras will be installed in the common movement area near the doors. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the progress of CCTV Cameras’ installation in locomotives and coaches. The meeting held on Saturday 12 July was attended by the senior officials of the Railway Board. 360-degree comprehensive coverage The railway officials informed that successful trials have been conducted in the loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway. The Union Minister for Railways gave the go ahead to install CCTV cameras in all 74000 coaches and 15000 locos. Each railway coach will be covered with 4 dome type CCTV cameras 2 in each entrance way and each locomotive will have 6 CCTV cameras. This will include 1 camera each at the front rear and on both sides of the locomotive. Each cab (front and rear) of a loco will be fitted with 1 dome CCTV camera and 2 desk mounted microphones. Modern surveillance system The officials shared that the CCTV cameras will have the latest specifications and will be STQC certified. The Union Minister for Railways emphasised on deploying the best-in-class equipment. He urged the railway officials to ensure that high quality footage should be available even for trains running at 100 kmph plus speeds and also under low lighting conditions. He encouraged the officials to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence on the data captured by CCTV cameras. Data privacy concerns The Indian Railways has confirmed that the CCTV cameras will be installed in the common movement areas and near the doors to preserve the privacy of passengers. “The purpose of fitting cameras in the common movement areas of coaches is to improve safety and security of passengers” said the Ministry of Railways.