At present, Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) have been installed at 344 railway stations over Indian Railways. Prevention and detection of crime, registration of cases and their investigation over Railways is the statutory responsibility of States which is being discharged by them through the Government Railway Police (GRP).
Timely registration of cases, speedy investigation, inter-State coordination among GRPs of respective States, etc. are important factors in tackling crime over Railways. Availability of CCTV cameras at railway stations may act as deterrent, however, absence of CCTV cameras is not a major factor in tackling crime at railway stations.
Security has been identified as one of the priority areas by Railways for strengthening and upgradation of security system in Railway. CCTV surveillance system already forms part of an Integrated Security System (ISS) and 202 stations have been identified as sensitive for the purpose of installation of ISS. Railways have further planned to install Video Surveillance System (VSS) at balance A1, A, B & C category 983 stations under Nirbhaya Fund. In addition, Railway Protection Force, (RPF) under the Ministry of Railways, supplements efforts of States to ensure security of passengers. Besides initiating physical security measures like escorting of trains, access control, rendering security related assistance through Security Helpline (182), prosecution of offenders under relevant provisions of the Railways Act, RPF maintains close coordination/liaison with GRPs of respective States to check crime over Railways.