Bhubaneswar Sept 25: East Coast Railway (ECoR) achieved significant success in strengthening railway safety and security through its solar-powered CCTV surveillance system, which led to an overall reduction of approximately 83% in reported incidents at covered locations.
A comparative analysis of crime incidents during January to August 2025, before installation of cameras, and January to August 2026, after installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras, shows a marked decline across various categories of railway-related incidents.
The number of reported cases declined from 200 cases during January–August 2025 to 34 cases during January–August 2026, representing an overall reduction of approximately 83% at the locations covered by the solar-powered CCTV surveillance system.
Alarm chain pulling cases fell by 82%, stone pelting by 85%, cable cutting by 90%, while sabotage and theft of passenger belongings recorded a 100% reduction.
The cameras were installed at vulnerable locations, including stations, level crossing, bridges, railway tracks and yards enabling continuous surveillance even where conventional electricity supply was unavailable.
Real-time monitoring recorded footage and drone surveillance strengthened crime detection, investigation and security responses.
Conceptualized and implemented as a pilot project by ECoR, the initiative was among the first of its kind in Indian Railways. The encouraging results and proven effectiveness of the system have since prompted other railway zones to adopt similar solar powered surveillance models at their own vulnerable and sensitive locations.
