New Delhi: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials yesterday, 20th March, at Rail Bhawan to assess progress on passenger amenities, station access, and security enhancements across the railway network.
The review focused on key areas such as access control, crowd management, technology-driven surveillance, and improved passenger mobility within station premises. As part of a phased implementation strategy, these reforms will be rolled out first at New Delhi Railway Station, before being expanded to other stations nationwide.
AI-Powered Surveillance for Enhanced Security
A comprehensive AI-enabled camera network will be deployed at New Delhi Railway Station, ensuring 24/7 monitoring across platforms, concourses, entry and exit points, and vulnerable areas.
An advanced control room equipped with Exception Event Display systems will process live feeds and alert authorities in real time to unusual or unsafe situations. The Minister emphasized that while cameras act as the “eyes,” artificial intelligence functions as the “brain” of the surveillance system, underlining the importance of proper lighting for optimal performance.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) will also see enhanced deployment, shifting from manual ticket checks to surveillance-based monitoring to ensure only ticketed passengers access station premises.
Colour-Coded Identification for Staff
To improve accountability and streamline operations, a colour-coded identification system will be introduced for all station personnel. Railway employees will wear fluorescent jackets, while vendors, contractual staff, station assistants, and personnel associated with IRCTC will be assigned distinct colours.
Additionally, all personnel will carry detailed ID cards to enable quick identification. This system will first be implemented at New Delhi station and later expanded across Northern Railway zones and beyond.
QR Code-Based Access Control System
A pilot QR code-based entry system will be introduced at New Delhi Railway Station ahead of major festive seasons such as Diwali and Chhath.
The system will regulate passenger entry based on ticket categories, ensuring better segregation of reserved passengers, monthly season ticket holders, and unreserved travelers, thereby reducing congestion.
RailOne App Integration for Last-Mile Connectivity
To improve last-mile connectivity, the RailOne App will be integrated with Bharat Taxi, in collaboration with RailTel.
This initiative aims to ease congestion outside stations, provide reliable transport options, and enhance passenger convenience. The move also aligns with the government’s vision of promoting cooperative-led platforms under the ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ initiative.
Holding Areas and Improved Passenger Flow
The Ministry also reviewed the development of holding areas at 76 railway stations. These designated zones, primarily for unreserved passengers, will enable controlled and phased entry into station premises, reducing overcrowding and enhancing safety.
Improved signage systems and upgraded train information services are also being introduced to ensure passengers receive timely updates while waiting in these areas.
Towards Safer and Smarter Railway Stations
These initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to transforming high-footfall stations into safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly spaces. By integrating advanced technology with infrastructure upgrades, the Railways aims to deliver a seamless travel experience—from station entry to last-mile connectivity—for millions of daily passengers.
