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Kolkata Metro, India's oldest metro network, is introducing a new intelligent surveillance system to detect passengers in distress and prevent suicide attempts on the tracks. Over the years, the Metro has faced many such incidents, leading to service delays and emotional stress for passengers. The new system aims to make
stations safer and reduce these tragedies.
Installation of Cameras
The Railway Board has approved the installation of advanced face-recognition cameras with behaviour-analysis technology along the entire North-South (Blue Line) corridor. These cameras will monitor passengers and identify signs of distress or risky behaviour, such as pacing, standing too close to the platform edge, or unusual movements. If the system detects anyone behaving suspiciously, it will immediately alert the Metro Railway Protection Force (RPF) so they can quickly intervene.
Metro officials said this is the first time a fully automated behavioural surveillance system is being installed across an entire metro corridor in India. They believe this move will greatly help prevent people from entering the tracks and allow quicker emergency responses.
New Project of Kolkata Metro
The project is part of the IP-based CCTV Surveillance System Upgradation Project, awarded on June 19, 2025, with a budget of ₹25.34 crore and a nine-month completion target. A total of 1,678 cameras are being installed, 1,625 at stations and platforms, and 53 at RPF offices. The system includes high-quality Full HD and 4K cameras, large display screens, strong storage systems, panic buttons, audio devices, and artificial-intelligence-based monitoring. It also features facial recognition technology, a 240 TB storage setup for 30-day video retention, and a strong fibre-network backbone.
Staff will receive training to use the upgraded system effectively. The agency implementing the project, Brihaspathi Technologies, has experience creating surveillance networks in challenging border areas. This gives Metro officials confidence that the system will work smoothly across Kolkata's busy underground and elevated routes.
With suicide attempts rising in recent years, Kolkata Metro hopes this smart surveillance network will save lives, stop trespassing, reduce crime, and make metro travel safer for everyone.
