NER Makes History: CCTV at Non-Interlocked Crossings
North Eastern Railway becomes the first Indian zone to install CCTV at all non-interlocked crossings to enhance safety and prevent crime.
The North Eastern Railway (NER) has officially entered a new era of safety by becoming the first railway zone in India to implement a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system at all its non-interlocked crossings. This landmark initiative, spanning across its three divisions, is designed to modernize monitoring and significantly reduce operational risks.
Phased Rollout and Real-Time Surveillance
The installation project is set to begin this month, with a dedicated agency tasked with executing the rollout in a phased manner. To ensure maximum coverage, each crossing will be equipped with two high-capacity cameras. These units are designed to monitor activities in all four directions simultaneously, providing a complete visual field of the area.
Crucially, these cameras will provide real-time feeds transmitted directly to a centralized control room. This allows authorities to monitor crossings instantly, ensuring that any irregularities are spotted the moment they occur.
A Multi-Purpose Safety Shield
The deployment of this surveillance technology is not just about visibility; it is a strategic move to address several critical areas of railway management:
- Enhanced Safety: Minimizing the risk of accidents at non-interlocked gate locations.
- Crime Prevention: Acting as a deterrent against criminal activities, such as theft, near the tracks.
- Strict Protocol Compliance: Ensuring that all staff members adhere to the rigorous operational guidelines set by the Railway Board.
Ensuring Strict Operational Discipline
The introduction of CCTV will provide an extra layer of accountability for gatemen. Under current Railway Board guidelines, gatemen must follow a strict sequence before allowing road traffic to pass through a non-interlocked gate:
- Station Master Permission: Gatemen must obtain explicit authorization from the Station Master before opening the gate.
- Train Verification: The gateman must confirm that the entire train, including the tail board and tail lamp, has completely cleared the crossing.
- Safety Signaling: Before opening the gate to road traffic, gatemen are mandated to place safety signals—such as banners, flags, or red lamps—on the tracks.
Aligning with National Safety Trends
This local initiative in the Gorakhpur region aligns with a broader national effort by Indian Railways to integrate AI-powered surveillance at non-interlocked gates. Such technology is being prioritized following a significant incident in Cuddalore in July 2025.
The NER's move also builds upon recent technological upgrades in the area, including the September 2026 installation of 65 high-capacity CCTV cameras at Gorakhpur Junction and the May 2025 approval of an AI-enabled electronic interlocking system connecting Gorakhpur Junction and Gorakhpur Cantt.