- By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
- Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kolkata Metro Update: In a bid to strengthen the security measures for the commuters, the Blue Line is set for a major security upgrade, with the authorities planning to commission a new AI-powered, IP-based CCTV surveillance network by March 2026, an official said, quoted the PTI.
Overall, it will be a Rs 25.34 crore project which will see the installation of 1,678 high-resolution cameras. The new cameras will replace the age-old station-level systems with a modern, centralised network aimed at accurate and swift threat detection, real time alerts and improved passenger safety.
The AI-powered cameras will automatically alert trained operators the moment it detect unattended baggage, a perimeter breach or even an unusual crowd behaviour. “Instead of reacting after an incident, the system pushes security teams to act immediately,” Rajasekhar Papolu, Managing Director of Brihaspathi Technologies Ltd, was saying in an interview as quoted by PTI.
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The new architecture marks a decisive shift from passive monitoring to intelligence-led security, he added. Papolu further said, “Our system revolutionises passenger safety with real-time threat detection, AI-powered analytics and automated incident response. The platform equips authorities to proactively identify suspicious activity and streamline emergency management, which is crucial in today’s security climate.”
Once implemented, the system marks one of the significant transformations in the surveillance system found in the metros of eastern India. Papolu said. “We are not just replacing cameras; we are fundamentally changing how the Metro sees, analyses and responds to its environment."
Of the total cameras, 1,625 will be installed across all Blue Line rail stations and 53 at RPF stations, including Full HD and 4K UHD units. A 240 TB centralised storage system will be installed at the Metro Bhawan, the headquarters of the railways, which will retain data for a minimum of 30 days. Additionally, an integrated facial recognition system will be put in place so that the footage cannot be tampered with.
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Papolu said the project timeline remains on track. “We have nine months from the Letter of Acceptance issued on June 19, 2025. The March deadline is absolutely achievable. The infrastructure, from fibre cabling to control-room display walls, is being planned to ensure smooth commissioning.”
A senior Metro official said that the railway authorities continuously strive to ensure passenger safety and a smooth ride for commuters.