WR sets CCTV cameras on Vasai tracks to catch train flaws in realtime

In a move to up the safety of its operations, Western Railway has installed high-speed close-circuit television cameras on its tracks to check the underbody of trains passing over to check for anomalies in real-time.

WR chief spokesperson Ravinder Bhakar said such cameras have been installed at Vasai Road station on an experimental basis, which if successful, will help reduce failures and accidents. "These cameras with video analytic software are more robust and have the capability to zoom, reverse and play at variable speed for close scrutiny," Bhaker said.

The work of checking the underbody of trains has been done manually in the railways for years, with expert eyes of trackmen crouching by the tracks trying to pick up an abnormal noise or loose equipment while the train is in motion.

WR officials said it is a pilot project and depending on the feedback, the plan will be extended to other sections of tracks on WR.