Railways urges passengers to report suspicious activity on helpline 139 as AI, drones and CCTV surveillance expanded nationwide

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways urges passengers to stay alert and report suspicious activity on helpline 139
• High-level railway security review meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi
• AI, drones and CCTV surveillance being intensified across railway network
• Railway Protection Force (RPF) strengthening intelligence gathering at field level
• Railways probing recent incidents involving suspected anti-social elements
• Focus on cyber security, AI-based monitoring and improved coordination with GRP

Indian Railways has intensified security measures across its network and urged passengers to remain alert while travelling, following recent incidents involving suspected anti-social elements on railway premises.

The advisory was issued after a high-level security review meeting chaired by Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of senior Railway Board officials and field officers from across the country.

Passengers have been asked to immediately report any suspicious activity or suspicious individuals on railway premises through the Railway helpline number 139.

Railways Expanding AI, Drone and CCTV-Based Surveillance

During the review meeting, the Railway Ministry highlighted that Indian Railways is increasingly deploying advanced technologies including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Drone surveillance
• CCTV monitoring systems
• AI-based surveillance and analytics tools

The measures are being implemented in mission mode to strengthen the safety of:

• Trains
• Passengers
• Railway stations
• Critical railway infrastructure

According to the Ministry, intelligence gathering at the beat level of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is also being strengthened to improve threat detection and faster response mechanisms.

Recent Incidents Under Investigation

Officials stated that preliminary investigations into several recent railway incidents, including some fire-related cases, have indicated possible involvement of anti-social elements.

Indian Railways said the incidents are being treated seriously, with the RPF actively conducting investigations. In multiple cases, prompt intervention by railway staff reportedly helped avert major accidents and disruptions.

The Ministry stressed the importance of public vigilance and passenger participation in strengthening railway security efforts.

Focus on Cyber Security and Field Intelligence

The security review meeting also focused on:

• Enhancing intelligence gathering systems
• Strengthening reporting mechanisms from field units
• Expanding CCTV coverage across railway zones
• Improving coordination between Railway Board headquarters and field divisions

Officials discussed the need for upgraded camera specifications and better integration of AI-enabled surveillance technologies for real-time monitoring and quicker threat assessment.

Cyber security preparedness was also reviewed as part of efforts to strengthen digital and operational security systems across Indian Railways.

Coordination Between RPF and GRP to be Strengthened

The Railway Ministry further stated that information-sharing mechanisms between the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) will be strengthened to improve coordinated security management across the network.

Union Ministers of State for Railways Shri V. Somanna and Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu were also present during the meeting, along with the Chairman of the Railway Board.

Indian Railways reiterated its appeal to passengers to remain vigilant during journeys and while waiting at stations, adding that timely reporting of suspicious activities can play a crucial role in preventing security threats and ensuring safer travel across the railway network.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Sector

The enhanced security measures and technology-driven surveillance initiatives are expected to strengthen traveller confidence across India’s rail network, particularly during peak tourism and pilgrimage seasons. Improved railway safety and real-time monitoring can positively impact domestic tourism, business travel and intercity mobility by ensuring safer passenger movement. Hospitality businesses including hotels, tour operators, restaurants and transit accommodation providers often depend heavily on railway connectivity, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 destinations. Stronger railway security infrastructure may also support growth in leisure travel, religious tourism and event-based tourism by improving the overall perception of safety and operational reliability across India’s transportation ecosystem.