In a major step toward enhancing safety and transparency in railway operations, Western Railway (WR) has announced plans to install aircraft-style CCTV systems in all its locomotives.
The project is expected to complete by end of this financial year.
"These high-tech cameras, compliant with STQC (Standardization Testing and Quality Certification) norms, will function like black boxes in airplanes—recording critical data to aid investigations in case of accidents or operational anomalies" said an official of WR.
As part of the initiative, each locomotive will be equipped with six advanced cameras, capable of capturing live video footage, sound, track conditions, and the movements of the loco pilot inside the cab. WR currently operates 810 electric and 168 diesel locomotives, all of which will be gradually fitted with the new system. The cost of installing these cameras in each locomotive is estimated between Rs 8 to Rs10 lakh.
"Under the plan, two cameras will be mounted inside the driving cab—one facing forward and another toward the rear—to accommodate changes in engine direction. These will provide comprehensive footage of the driver's actions and in-cab conditions during train operations" further added official.
Additionally, two cameras will be installed externally—at the front and rear of the locomotive—to record track conditions and any incidents that may occur ahead or behind the engine. Another two cameras will be fixed on the left and right sides to monitor the surrounding environment, capturing crucial evidence in case of derailments or side collisions.
The system will be implemented across all passenger and freight train locomotives under Western Railway’s jurisdiction.
WR officials said that the camera footage will prove vital in any case of emergency or abnormal condition investigations, helping authorities identify the root cause of the emergency or technical failure. The STQC certification, mandated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), ensures that the CCTV systems meet high cybersecurity and quality standards. The certification process includes extensive testing and verification of functionality and data security."
