ECoR Boosts Security With Solar-Powered CCTV Network and Surveillance Drones

Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has strengthened its security and surveillance system by deploying solar-powered CCTV cameras and expanding drone-based monitoring across its jurisdiction. This major initiative aims to enhance passenger safety, curb trespassing, improve monitoring in remote locations, and ensure stronger protection of railway property and staff.

To ensure uninterrupted surveillance in areas with limited or no power supply, ECoR has installed solar-based CCTV systems at vulnerable and operationally sensitive points across all three divisions. In the Waltair Division, 113 solar-powered CCTV cameras have already been installed at trespass-prone locations and railway yards, with procurement of another 115 cameras underway. The Khurda Road Division has commissioned six solar-based CCTV cameras at key points and is in the process of procuring 1,027 more cameras. The Sambalpur Division has set up 46 solar-powered CCTV cameras at strategic and critical sites.

Officials said the expanded CCTV coverage will benefit passengers and the public by ensuring enhanced safety in vulnerable areas, preventing crimes, reducing trespassing incidents, and improving surveillance in remote regions. The cameras are also expected to contribute to better crowd management during rush hours, quicker emergency responses, improved post-incident analysis, and stronger security for railway staff.

Complementing ground-level surveillance, ECoR has bolstered its monitoring capabilities through drone technology. A total of five surveillance drones are currently operational across the zone. The Khurda Road and Waltair divisions operate two drones each, while the Sambalpur division operates one. These drones are used for real-time monitoring of long track stretches, inspections in remote areas, yard oversight, crowd management during special events, and various security operations.

ECoR officials said the adoption of modern, technology-driven surveillance solutions underscores the railway’s commitment to creating a safer, more secure, and people-friendly travel environment.