With approximately 14,000 trains traveling over 65,000 miles of track every day, Indian Railways transports an estimated 9.5 million passengers daily
Indian Railways, the largest rail network in Asia, has implemented a state-of-the-art video surveillance system as part of its ongoing modernisation efforts. This project aims to enhance security and efficiency, helping the network prepare for future growth and manage a larger share of global rail activity.
With approximately 14,000 trains traveling over 65,000 miles of track every day, Indian Railways transports an estimated 9.5 million passengers daily. To better accommodate this massive operation and the anticipated rise in rail activity—projected to reach 40% of global rail usage by 2050—Indian Railways is investing in technology upgrades.
A significant step in this modernisation is the introduction of an IDIS video solution, implemented by M2M Cybernetics in collaboration with IDIS Securitatem Solutiones Pvt Ltd. This advanced system has been installed in the eastern region, targeting 230 stations with the highest daily footfall.
Cutting-Edge Surveillance System
The video surveillance system features 4K cameras and AI-powered video analytics, including facial recognition technology, to enhance safety and security at railway stations. This system is supported by a network of monitoring centers strategically placed at every fifth station. These centers enable the Railway Protection Force to conduct live monitoring across multiple locations, all controlled from a central command center that doubles as a data and disaster recovery facility.
The integration of IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) brings additional capabilities such as motion detection, loitering alerts, abandoned object identification, and line-crossing notifications. These features allow staff to configure and automate alerts for various potential risks, improving response times and overall security.
Facial recognition technology is a key aspect of this upgrade, seamlessly integrated with Herta Security’s advanced algorithms. This system provides real-time identification and alerts for persons of interest, enhancing the ability of security personnel to respond swiftly to potential threats.
Efficient Data Management and Cybersecurity
The IDIS solution also boasts significant data management efficiencies. The Intelligent Codec and MAT (Motion Adaptive Technology) compression technology reduce data bandwidth by 30% without compromising image quality. MAT further optimizes storage by adjusting recording based on movement detection, thus saving storage space.
Cybersecurity was a crucial consideration for Indian Railways. All IDIS devices passed the OWASP Level 2 – Appendix C certification, which goes beyond standard penetration tests to ensure robust protection against cyber threats.
The entire surveillance system operates on the IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) VMS platform, which manages high-performance IDIS servers in a federated architecture. This system includes features like Critical Failover redundancy, which stores video data on a high-speed Storage Area Network (SAN) using RAID 5. This setup protects against data loss during network interruptions, ensuring continuous recording.
Mobile Access & Increased Surveillance Reach
The IDIS Mobile Plus app empowers Railway Protection Force staff by providing enterprise-class VMS tools on smartphones and tablets. This app enables security personnel to capture and integrate images and videos from their mobile devices into the surveillance system. This functionality expands the reach of the surveillance network, allowing on-site staff to report damage or incidents directly to command centers.
“Indian Railways wanted the most flexible, robust, future-proof video surveillance solution to provide a secure foundation for growth and development plans,” said Rahat Jain, Managing Director of IDIS Securitatem Solutiones Pvt Ltd. “With IDIS video, the Railway Protection Force now has full confidence that they are operating 230 of the safest and most secure stations, resulting in two more regions being identified for upgrade.”
Looking Ahead
The successful implementation of this advanced video surveillance solution marks a significant step forward for Indian Railways. By enhancing security and operational efficiency, Indian Railways is not only safeguarding its current operations but also laying the groundwork for future expansion. As the network continues to modernize, further upgrades in other regions are expected, reinforcing Indian Railways’ commitment to providing safe and efficient rail services for millions of passengers each day.
