Indian Railways to Deploy AI Cameras to Prevent Level Crossing Accidents
Indian Railways is set to install Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance cameras at non-interlocked level crossing gates as part of a broader effort to enhance train safety and prevent accidents. The initiative follows a directive from the Railway Board and aims to address a critical gap in verifying whether gates are properly closed before a train proceeds.
At non-interlocked level crossings, the gateman is responsible for closing and locking the gate once a train has been cleared from the nearest railway station. The gateman must then confirm the closure to the Station Master by exchanging a private number (PN). Currently, the Station Master relies entirely on the gateman's word, with no direct means to verify that the gate has actually been shut. This reliance has been identified as a safety risk.
To strengthen monitoring, advanced CCTV cameras are being installed at all such crossings across the country. These cameras, powered by solar energy, will transmit live video feeds to the Station Master of the nearest railway station as well as to the engineering control room. This will allow railway officials to observe the status of each level crossing in real time and take action if needed.
In addition to the live feeds, the Railway Board has instructed General Managers of all Zonal Railways to introduce AI-based alerting features. These features, which will come with appropriate safeguards and accuracy thresholds, are designed to generate automatic alerts if a level crossing gate remains open or is not closed within the required time. The system is expected to provide an additional layer of protection by enabling timely intervention.
The move comes in the wake of a tragic accident on July 8, 2025, in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, where three schoolchildren were killed and two others injured after a train collided with a school van at a manned level crossing. Investigations revealed that the gate had been allegedly left open despite the gateman having informed the Station Master that it was closed. The train subsequently hit the van, underscoring the dangers of relying solely on manual confirmation.
With the introduction of AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, railway officials believe such lapses can be significantly reduced. The Station Master, before authorizing a train to depart, will be able to view the live feed and confirm that the level crossing gate is indeed closed. Similarly, officials in the engineering control room can monitor multiple crossings simultaneously and respond to alerts in real time.
The AI system is being implemented with emphasis on accuracy to avoid false alarms, which could disrupt train operations. Railway sources indicated that the technology will be calibrated to distinguish between a gate that is open, a gate being closed, and a gate that is locked, ensuring that alerts are generated only when there is a genuine safety concern.
This initiative is part of Indian Railways' larger modernisation drive, which includes the adoption of digital technologies to improve operational safety and efficiency. By integrating AI with existing CCTV infrastructure, the railways aim to reduce human error and enhance the safety of passengers, road users, and railway staff.
