Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has unveiled a major upgrade of security arrangements at railway stations nationwide with the deployment of Smart Check II shoe-based screening devices, 250 high-tech CCTV systems and aerial surveillance drones, officials said in the past week. The initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen passenger safety and crime deterrence across busy hubs and suburban networks. RPF Director General Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said that the technology enhancements will complement existing foot patrols, explosive detection units and canine squads, while artificial intelligence-assisted video analytics will support real-time monitoring and alerting. The roll-out will prioritise high-footfall stations and junctions, with phased implementation across the rest of the zonal network to improve threat detection, incident response and overall passenger confidence in rail security.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has announced the introduction of a suite of advanced security technologies aimed at bolstering safety at railway stations and on passenger premises across India. The enhancements, outlined in the past week by senior RPF officials, include deployment of Smart Check II screening devices, 250 high-resolution CCTV systems, and aerial surveillance drones, reflecting an effort to modernise threat detection and surveillance capabilities on the national rail network. Advertisement
At the core of the security upgrade is the Smart Check II, a next-generation screening technology that scans footwear and luggage for metallic and non-metallic threats without requiring passengers to remove shoes. RPF Director General Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said the device will reduce inconvenience for travellers while improving the accuracy and speed of checks. The system is designed to complement existing walk-through metal detectors and handheld scanners already in use at stations.
In addition to ground-level screening improvements, the RPF plans to install 250 high-tech CCTV systems at key stations and junctions. These cameras are equipped with advanced analytics, including facial recognition support and real-time alerting for unattended baggage or unusual behaviour patterns. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the CCTV network will enable the force to monitor video feeds more efficiently and issue faster responses to potential threats or suspicious activities.
To enhance situational awareness from the air, the RPF will also deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) capable of providing live aerial feeds over platform precincts, station approaches and large congregation areas. The drones will be particularly useful during peak travel periods, special events and in zones where rapid ground access is constrained.
The technology upgrades will be rolled out in phases, with priority given to major metropolitan stations and railway junctions that handle high passenger volumes. RPF sources said that feedback from pilot implementations at select locations will be used to refine operational protocols and expand deployments across the broader network.
Officials emphasised that while technology will play a larger role, the enhanced systems are intended to augment not replace on-ground personnel, including RPF constables, dog squads and quick response teams. Training modules are being prepared to familiarise staff with the new equipment and integrated command-and-control tools.
The move forms part of a broader national focus on transport sector security, which includes upgraded perimeter checks, coordination with local law enforcement and public awareness campaigns on reporting suspicious behaviour. By bringing together next-generation screening, AI-enabled surveillance and aerial monitoring, the RPF aims to create a layered security environment that enhances passenger confidence and deters potential criminal activity across India's railway infrastructure.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
