Bhubaneswar, April 9: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) will install more than 2,500 solar powered CCTV cameras across all divisions under its jurisdiction by June this year, said an official release on Thursday.
The ECoR has already commissioned 166 solar powered CCTV cameras across Waltair (113), Sambalpur (47), and Khurda Road (6) divisions. These cameras are strategically installed at high risk and high traffic locations such as station premises, marshalling yards, level crossings, and isolated track sections, and ECoR statement stated.
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) is rapidly transforming railway security through a technology driven, eco friendly surveillance initiative, with a major expansion underway to scale up its solar powered CCTV network across all divisions, it stated.
Designed to function independently of conventional power sources, the solar systems ensure round-the-clock, uninterrupted monitoring, especially in remote and power deficient areas.
Major Expansion Plan Underway
Building on the success of the initial deployment, ECoR has launched an ambitious expansion programme. By June 2026, more than 2,500 solar powered CCTV cameras are targeted to be installed across its jurisdiction.
This large scale rollout will significantly widen surveillance coverage, ensuring near complete monitoring of vulnerable railway assets and passenger areas, and marking one of the most extensive security upgrades within Indian Railways.
Significant Impact on Crime Reduction
The deployment of solar CCTV cameras has led to a measurable decline in criminal and unsafe activities across monitored sections.
Incidents of stone pelting on trains, cable theft, trespassing, and track sabotage attempts have reduced notably in areas under surveillance. The visible presence of cameras has acted as a strong deterrent, discouraging anti social elements from engaging in such activities.
In addition, recorded footage has greatly enhanced the efficiency of security agencies like RPF and GRP by enabling quick identification of offenders, evidence based investigation, and higher success in prosecution. This has not only improved conviction rates but also created a long term preventive effect, reinforcing discipline and law enforcement along railway corridors.
Passenger Safety and Real Time Response
With increased camera coverage, railway stations and premises are now under constant watch, significantly improving passenger safety. The system enables real time monitoring and faster emergency response, helping railway officials act promptly during untoward incidents.
This enhanced surveillance environment provides greater reassurance to passengers, particularly women and those travelling during late hours.
Drone Surveillance for Difficult Terrain
To complement ground based monitoring, ECoR has deployed 10 drones for aerial surveillance in inaccessible and sensitive areas, including dense forests and remote track sections.
The drone fleet is set to expand to 15 by the end of 2026, creating a multi layered, integrated surveillance system that minimizes blind spots and strengthens overall security coverage.
Green and Cost Effective Initiative
The entire CCTV network operates on solar energy, ensuring zero reliance on conventional electricity and supporting environmental sustainability. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, promoting green infrastructure development. Additionally, the system is highly economical, with minimal operational costs, no electricity expenditure, and low maintenance making it both sustainable and financially efficient.
A Scalable Model for Indian Railways
With its proven benefits in security enhancement, cost efficiency, and sustainability, East Coast Railway’s solar surveillance model is emerging as a benchmark for replication across Indian Railways.
As the network expands beyond 2,500 cameras, ECoR is steadily moving towards a comprehensive, technology enabled security ecosystem, setting new standards in railway safety management.
