India has launched its first train with complete on-board surveillance solutions, as part of the government’s efforts to improve security in the railways. Known as the Shan-e-Punjab Express, the train carries about 122 surveillance cameras in 21 coaches. The train runs from the capital New Delhi to Amritsar, a city
India has launched its first train with complete on-board surveillance solutions, as part of the government's efforts to improve security in the railways.
Known as the Shan-e-Punjab Express, the train carries about 122 surveillance cameras in 21 coaches. The train runs from the capital New Delhi to Amritsar, a city in the northwestern state of Punjab.
India has one of the world's largest railway networks, but it still lags behind in technology. The sheer size and its developing phase are expected to make the segment a major opportunity for security companies.
In its recent budget announcement, the Indian government had said it had decided to upgrade safety measures on trains. Passengers' safety, especially that of women, have been a matter of concern in the country in the recent years.
Speaking on the occasion of launching Shan-e-Punjab, India's Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, indicated that the initiative was one more step towards this ensuring comprehensive security.
The surveillance cameras are installed near doors. Footages are recorded on a portable device that has a storage capacity of one month. A guard's compartment will have a monitoring system for the ‘ladies only' coach. According to the local daily The Hindu, the cameras are capable of facial recognition even in low light.
The government aims to bring the similar facilities to other trains. A pilot project on Mumbai's suburban trains is already in place.