EYE IN THE SKY: HOW AI IS TURN

Tourism

EYE IN THE SKY: HOW AI IS TURNING CHAOTIC RAILWAY PLATFORMS INTO SAFE HAVENS

Imagine Barrackpore Station at 7:00 PM. The platform is a sea of moving heads; the air is thick with the scent of street food and the thunderous roar of an approaching local train. In the frantic rush to board, a toddler’s grip slips from his mother’s hand. In a split second, the child is swallowed by the crowd. Historically, this would be a parent’s worst nightmare—a needle in a moving haystack. But today, the story has a different ending. High above the chaos, a digital "guardian angel" is watching. Within seconds, AI-powered cameras can help identify a wandering child, allowing RPF officers to reunite the family before the train even leaves the station. This isn't science fiction; it is the new reality of passenger security across Eastern Railway.

In a massive effort to enhance passenger safety, Indian Railways is installing an IP-based Video Surveillance System (VSS) across all important stations. This high-tech network features 24/7 monitoring, high-definition imaging, and AI-enabled CCTV technology funded by the Nirbhaya Fund. The system is specifically designed with facial recognition capabilities and is centralized for constant monitoring by RPF Personnel to minimize untoward incidents and, most importantly, to protect the dignity of lady passengers. The coverage is holistic, with cameras strategically placed in main entrances, waiting halls, ticket counters, platforms, and parking areas. These IP cameras include advanced storage for recording, and the feeds are monitored at local RPF posts as well as centralized divisional and zonal headquarters to ensure no corner goes unnoticed.

The scale of this project reached new heights during the 2025-26 financial year. In addition to the 191 stations that were already equipped with VSS, an additional 63 stations were made ready for monitoring with the installation of 1,243 cameras. This expansion was spread across several key regions: 14 stations were completed in the Howrah Division, 47 stations in the Sealdah Division, and 2 stations in the Malda Division. While no specific Nirbhaya VSS stations were listed for the Asansol Division in this particular category for the year, the division significantly boosted its security by equipping 16 RPF posts—including Asansol East and West—with 48 CCTV cameras. Furthermore, the safety net was extended to the grassroots level as 20 other small stations were also brought under security surveillance through VSS installations during the same period.

This technological crusade is backed by aggressive field operations led by the Eastern Railway’s RPF to fight offenders who target women and children. Under “Operation Nanhe Farishtey,” the team successfully rescued 1,407 children, consisting of 876 boys and 531 girls. The fight against more serious crimes continued under “Operation Aahat,” where 124 children, including 80 boys and 44 girls, were rescued from the clutches of 68 arrested traffickers. To maintain this momentum, 70 Anti-Human Trafficking Units are now functioning to prevent such crimes. Additionally, the “Operation Dignity” initiative saw the rescue of 136 adults, including 84 women, serving as a testament to Eastern Railway’s unwavering concern for preserving the dignity of its passengers.

Recently, in a significant step forward towards social inclusion and empowerment of women, Eastern Railway has taken a pioneering step by making provision of One Station One Product (OSOP) stall dedicated to the acid attack survivors. This initiative serves as a powerful catalyst supporting these resilient individuals in their journey towards dignity and financial independence.

In connection with these developments, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway, Shri Shibram Majhi, stated that these initiatives represent a vital step forward in ensuring that every journey remains safe and that the railway premises remain a secure environment for all, especially women and children.