Mumbai Locals: New CCTV cameras & AI system to boost passenger safety

In response to rising safety concerns, Western Railway is fitting Mumbai Local Trains with CCTV cameras, voice recorders, and AI-enabled systems. In addition, all existing suburban trains currently in service will be redesigned and retrofitted with automatic door closure mechanisms. The aim is to enhance passenger safety and assist in post-incident investigations.

The Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) is now installed on 25 Central Railway and 26 Western Railway local train rakes. This system records live audio and video from the train’s motorcabs, positioned at the front and rear, offering insights into crew communication and track conditions.

Each CVVRS kit includes six CCTV cameras:

• Two for capturing track visuals ahead

• Two inside the motorcabs to monitor the motorman and train manager

• Two wide-angle cameras covering the sides of the track

These recordings will help in case of an incident, particularly in situations where footage has previously been unavailable, such as the Mumbra mishap on June 9.

The new system also includes AI-powered features designed to monitor crew behaviour. It can:

• Detect drowsiness or distraction

• Flag unauthorised mobile phone use

• Alert officials in real time about potential hazards

This allows remote monitoring and live communication with motormen. The cost of installing CVVRS in each motorcab is estimated at ₹1–1.25 lakh.

Between 2002 and 2024, over 72,000 lives were lost on railway tracks in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, largely due to people being run over while crossing. Alarmingly, 31% of the victims were never identified. While initiatives like foot over-bridges and escalators have helped reduce fatalities since 2012, key questions remain — will ageing local trains be replaced or retrofitted with modern safety features? With a network as vast as Mumbai’s, authorities are yet to share a clear timeline for a complete upgrade.