Mumbai: Western Railway (WR) is set to implement artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced security inside local trains and at railway stations, particularly following a recent incident where a 54-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a 24-year-old man aboard a vacant mail train parked at Bandra Terminus earlier this month.
In response, senior WR officials held a meeting with representatives from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police to discuss measures aimed at strengthening security. "Our main focus is two-fold: first, expanding our CCTV network by procuring new cameras, and second, incorporating advanced AI technology to improve monitoring at stations," stated a senior WR official, as per reports by Hindustan Times.
While the specifics of how AI will be utilised to improve railway security remain unclear, officials mentioned that they plan to study AI systems already in use in European rail networks, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, to determine what could be adapted to fit local needs.
“We will see what can be adopted to suit our requirements,” said another senior WR official.
AI technology could also streamline operations by reducing the need for constant human monitoring of CCTV feeds. Instead, the AI system would independently identify potential threats and issue alerts as necessary.
About Recent Rape Case
While the express train cabin was empty, a 54-year-old woman was raped inside the guard compartment at Bandra Terminus, Mumbai. Following the rape on February 2, the accused was taken into custody by a combined team of the Bandra Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and turned over to the GRP for additional action.
The accused, according to a police source, was a porter who was about 24 years old. No other information was revealed by the railway police.
In response to the incident, the railway authorities have decided to upgrade the CCTV surveillance system with AI-powered monitoring. This enhancement will enable the system to provide immediate alerts when necessary, ensuring quicker response times to any potential security threats.
