The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has taken a significant step toward modernizing station security by launching an advanced AI-powered robotic platform named ‘DSC ARJUN’ on July 22, 2026. Designed to act as a force multiplier for the Railway Protection Force (RPF), this innovation aims to bolster situational awareness and passenger safety across key railway zones. The unveiling event, led by General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal, emphasized the railway’s ongoing commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into daily operations to secure platforms, waiting halls, and parking areas.
Key features of the DSC ARJUN robot include:
- Equipped with seven 360-degree AI cameras for comprehensive round-the-clock monitoring.
- Advanced AI capabilities including facial recognition, real-time crowd analytics, and passenger head counting.
- Automated unattended baggage detection and suspicious activity alerts.
- Integrated public address system for announcements and live video streaming for instant decision-making.
Smart Technology for Smarter Security
The ‘DSC ARJUN’ (Dedicated Security Chassis Advanced Railway Junction Under Network-Enabled Surveillance) represents a sophisticated blend of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and IoT technologies. By reaching areas that fixed CCTV cameras cannot access, the robot provides RPF personnel with a mobile and intelligent tool to manage passenger movement effectively. Developed at an approximate cost of Rs 40 lakh, the robot is designed to ensure rapid response times during emergencies and prevent criminal activities on railway premises.
Deployment Strategy and Future Outlook
This deployment is part of a broader technological evolution within Indian Railways. It follows the success of ‘Captain ARJUN’ introduced by Central Railway in 2020 and the ‘ASC ARJUN’ unit deployed at Visakhapatnam station earlier this year on January 23, 2026.
In its immediate operational phase, the robot will be stationed at Puri railway station to support security efforts during the ongoing Bahuda Yatra. Once the event concludes, the unit will be relocated to Bhubaneswar railway station. This initiative showcases ECoR’s dedication to building a safer, smarter, and more passenger-centric transport ecosystem through the strategic use of robotics and digital surveillance.