East Central Railway: Drones to be deployed at 50 major stations for festival crowd management
East Central Railway is planning to deploy drones at 50 major stations to manage the heavy rush during festival seasons. These drones will help railway authorities monitor crowds and ensure passenger safety from the air. The move is part of a larger effort to use technology for better security and operational efficiency across the zone.
How will drones help at railway stations?
Drones will provide a bird’s-eye view of the station premises, making it easier to spot bottlenecks and manage passenger movement. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) will use these devices to monitor suspicious activities and ensure that platforms do not become dangerously overcrowded during peak holiday periods.
Other drone initiatives in Indian Railways
Indian Railways has already started using drone technology in several other areas for security and maintenance. Some of the key implementations include:
| Region/Division | Purpose of Drone Use |
|---|---|
| Chakradharpur Division | Surveillance of Naxal-affected tracks |
| Gwalior-Jhansi Section | Preventing stone pelting and track monitoring |
| Ahmedabad Division | Inspection of Overhead Equipment (OHE) |
| Delhi Stations | Crowd management at New Delhi and Old Delhi |
| Ujjain Railway | Security surveillance for Simhastha-2028 |
| Hapur Station | Monitoring train movements and passenger safety |
What are the technical features of these drones?
The railway has previously procured Ninja UAVs which offer real-time tracking and video streaming. These drones have an automatic failsafe mode and are designed to monitor assets and ensure passenger safety. RPF personnel are being trained to operate these drones to capture high-quality footage for security investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many stations in ECR will get drone surveillance?
East Central Railway plans to provide drone surveillance at 50 major stations primarily to manage crowds during festivals.
Who will operate these drones at the stations?
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are being trained to operate these drones for security and monitoring purposes.