Good news for passengers: Indian Railways to use AI, drones, CCTV for better safety; helpline 139 alert issued

Good news for passengers: Passengers travelling on Indian Railways may soon see tighter security and smarter monitoring across stations and trains as the Railways prepares a major technology-driven safety upgrade using artificial intelligence, drones and expanded CCTV surveillance.

The move aims to improve passenger safety, track suspicious activity in real time and strengthen monitoring across railway stations, trains and railway tracks nationwide. Alongside the technology push, Indian Railways has also asked passengers to stay alert and immediately report suspicious activity through railway helpline number 139.

The safety review was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. Senior railway officials from across the country participated in the discussions focused on strengthening railway security systems.

AI surveillance, drones and CCTV: What changes for passengers

According to railway officials, Indian Railways will increase deployment of:

• AI-based surveillance systems
• Drones for monitoring railway areas
• CCTV cameras across stations and trains

The technology-driven systems are expected to help authorities detect suspicious movement faster and improve real-time monitoring across railway premises.

Railway officials said the expansion of smart surveillance systems would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen preventive security monitoring across the network.

The Railways also plans to expand CCTV coverage further in phases as part of its wider railway modernisation and safety programme.

Why Indian Railways is increasing security monitoring

Officials said recent investigations into multiple railway incidents, including some fire-related cases, indicated possible involvement of anti-social elements.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is actively probing several incidents, and authorities believe stronger surveillance systems and faster intelligence sharing can help prevent future threats.

Railway officials added that prompt action by railway staff in some recent cases helped avoid major incidents, highlighting the need for faster monitoring systems and better coordination.

Railway helpline 139 explained: What passengers need to know

Indian Railways has urged passengers to remain alert during travel and immediately report:

• Suspicious persons
• Unattended luggage or items
• Unusual activity inside trains
• Unsafe situations at stations

Passengers can report such incidents through railway helpline number 139.

Officials said passenger participation is important for improving security and helping authorities respond quickly to suspicious activity across stations and trains.

Railways focuses on cybersecurity, smart monitoring systems

Apart from physical surveillance, Indian Railways is also working on strengthening cybersecurity systems and improving operational coordination between:

• Railway Protection Force (RPF)
• Government Railway Police (GRP)
• Railway Board headquarters
• Railway zones

The ministry said improved information-sharing systems and faster reporting mechanisms would help authorities respond more effectively to security threats.

Discussions during the review meeting also focused on upgrading CCTV camera specifications, strengthening field intelligence gathering and expanding AI-based monitoring systems across the railway network.

What Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired the high-level security review meeting and discussed measures aimed at improving railway passenger safety nationwide.

Officials said Indian Railways is implementing the technology-driven safety plan in mission mode to strengthen security preparedness across stations, trains and railway infrastructure.

Ministers of State for Railways V Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu were also present during the meeting along with senior Railway Board officials.

What it means for passengers

For passengers, the new safety measures could mean:

• Better security inside trains and stations
• Faster detection of suspicious activity
• Improved monitoring across railway tracks
• Stronger surveillance systems nationwide
• Better emergency response coordination