Bhubaneswar: Crime and safety-related incidents at vulnerable railway locations under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) have declined by nearly 80 per cent following the introduction of a solar-powered CCTV surveillance system, officials said on Wednesday.
The number of incidents dropped from 229 between January 1 and October 20, 2025, to 49 during the corresponding period in 2026, registering a reduction of approximately 79 per cent, according to official data.
The comparative analysis revealed a significant decline across various categories of offences. Cases of sabotage and placement of foreign materials dropped from two to zero, while cable-cutting incidents declined from 10 to three. Stone-pelting cases came down from 20 to three, and theft of passengers’ belongings reduced from two to zero.
Alarm Chain Pulling incidents witnessed a sharp decline from 186 to 42, while other crime cases decreased from nine to one.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of East Coast Railway has introduced EAGLANCE, a sustainable solar-powered CCTV surveillance system designed specifically for remote, power-deficient and Naxal-affected areas.
Equipped with integrated lightning protection, the cameras have been installed at railway stations, level crossings, bridges, tunnels, isolated stretches of railway tracks, yards and other vulnerable locations.
The system enables round-the-clock, real-time monitoring and recording, helping the RPF identify suspicious activities, initiate timely preventive measures and strengthen investigations. It also facilitates the protection of critical railway infrastructure and enhances passenger safety.
A total of 2,459 solar-powered CCTV cameras have been sanctioned under Phase-I and Works & Maintenance (W&M) provisions across the three divisions of East Coast Railway.
Of these, 1,006 cameras have already been installed, including 543 in Khurda Road Division, 66 in Rayagada Division and 397 in Sambalpur Division.
Installation of the remaining 1,453 cameras is underway. These include 500 cameras in Khurda Road Division, 350 in Rayagada Division and 603 in Sambalpur Division.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening railway security, improving surveillance coverage and ensuring safer train operations, particularly in remote and vulnerable stretches under East Coast Railway.
