Bhubaneswar, November 11: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has recorded a significant improvement in railway safety and security, with crime and safety-related incidents at vulnerable locations declining by nearly 80 per cent following the introduction of its solar-powered CCTV surveillance network.

A comparative analysis of incidents reported between January 1 and October 20, 2026, against the corresponding period in 2025, revealed a sharp decline across various categories of offences. Cases of sabotage and placement of foreign materials dropped from two to zero, while cable-cutting incidents declined from 10 to three. Similarly, stone-pelting cases fell from 20 to three, and theft of passengers' belongings came down from two to zero.

Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) incidents witnessed a substantial decline from 186 to 42, while other crime cases decreased from nine to one. Overall, the number of incidents dropped from 229 in 2025 to 49 in 2026, registering an impressive reduction of approximately 79 per cent.

EAGLANCE Initiative Strengthens Railway Security

As part of its efforts to enhance railway security, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of East Coast Railway has introduced EAGLANCE, a sustainable solar-powered CCTV surveillance system designed specifically for remote, power-deficient and Naxal-affected areas.

Equipped with integrated lightning protection, the surveillance cameras have been installed at railway stations, level crossings, bridges, tunnels, isolated stretches of railway tracks, yards and other vulnerable locations.

The system enables round-the-clock, real-time monitoring and recording, allowing the RPF to identify suspicious activities, initiate timely preventive measures and strengthen investigations. Besides improving passenger safety, the initiative also plays a crucial role in safeguarding railway infrastructure, particularly in inaccessible and sensitive areas.

Over 1,000 Cameras Installed Across Three Divisions

East Coast Railway has sanctioned a total of 2,459 solar-powered CCTV cameras under Phase-I and Works and Maintenance (W&M) provisions across its three divisions.

Of these, 1,006 cameras have already been installed, including 543 in Khurda Road Division, 66 in Rayagada Division and 397 in Sambalpur Division.

Installation of the remaining 1,453 cameras is currently underway. This includes 500 cameras in Khurda Road Division, 350 in Rayagada Division and 603 in Sambalpur Division.

The expansion of the solar-powered surveillance network is expected to further strengthen security arrangements across the East Coast Railway jurisdiction, particularly at vulnerable and remote railway locations.