Western Railway (WR) has begun installing CCTV cameras at 200 locations across 37 stations on Mumbai’s suburban rail network. The initiative follows a noticeable increase in incidents involving passenger misconduct and assaults on ticket-checking personnel.
As reported by Mid-Day, the surveillance system will also assist the railway’s vigilance department in closely monitoring ticket-checking activities. Officials from the Mumbai Central Division of WR stated that CCTV infrastructure worth ₹25.81 crore is being deployed across ticket offices, booking counters, and other passenger-interaction zones.
The investment is aimed at ensuring a safer work environment for booking and ticketing staff, who regularly face overcrowding, fare-related disputes, and aggressive behaviour, particularly when passengers are penalised for ticket violations on the busy suburban network.
Locations of CCTV Installation
1. PRS and UTS-cum-PRS Centres:
Cameras will be installed at 29 Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres and 31 Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS)-cum-PRS stations, with an allocation of ₹7.12 crore, enhancing security at some of the busiest ticketing hubs.
2. UTS Stations:
A total of 68 UTS stations will receive CCTV coverage at a cost of ₹12.39 crore. Officials believe this step will help discourage ticketless travel, threats, verbal abuse, and physical intimidation frequently faced by booking clerks handling cash and fare disputes.
3. TC Offices and TTE Lobbies:
Additionally, 40 Head Ticket Collector (TC) offices and Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) lobbies will be equipped with surveillance cameras at an estimated cost of ₹6.30 crore. This measure is expected to improve staff safety, especially during late hours and peak travel times when tensions tend to escalate.