In a significant policy move, Indian Railways has announced it will fast-track the installation of CCTV cameras inside locomotive cabs across its network. The decision is a direct response to a preliminary investigation into the tragic goods train collision near Singhpur station in the Bilaspur division, which reportedly points towards “human error” by the crew.
The Bilaspur Crash: A Catalyst for Change
The incident saw a stationary goods train hit from behind by another, resulting in the death of a loco pilot and injuries to five other personnel. The crash caused severe disruptions on the busy Bilaspur-Katni route, a critical artery for coal freight. The initial findings, suggesting the crew of the moving train may have overlooked a red signal, have now propelled a long-debated safety measure into a near-term reality.
Why Railways is Pushing for CCTV in Loco Cabs
Sources within the Railway Board confirmed that the initial conclusion prompted decisive action to prevent such lapses in the future. The primary solution now being implemented is an audio-visual recording system inside the driver’s cabin, a move designed to enhance accountability and safety.
The rationale behind installing CCTV in loco cabs is two-fold:
- Deterrence and Adherence: The cameras are intended to serve as a powerful deterrent, ensuring that loco pilots and their assistants strictly adhere to safety protocols and remain alert on duty.
- Incontestable Evidence: In the event of an accident, the recordings will provide invaluable and irrefutable evidence. This will help investigators pinpoint the exact cause without ambiguity, speeding up inquiries and ensuring clear accountability.
This proposal gained significant traction after the horrific Balasore train tragedy, with proponents arguing it is a global best practice essential for modernising India’s rail safety infrastructure.
Resistance and Concerns: Privacy vs. Protocol
Despite the safety benefits, the move is expected to face resistance from railway unions. They have historically raised concerns over privacy and the potential for misuse of the surveillance footage. Union leaders argue that constant monitoring could create a high-stress environment, proving counter-productive to safety.
They contend that instead of focusing solely on the crew, the Railways should address more systemic issues, including:
* Gruelling work hours and crew fatigue
* Chronic staff shortages
* The immense mental pressure on loco pilots
Beyond Technology: A Holistic Approach is Needed
Critics echo these concerns, cautioning that technology is not a panacea. “A camera can catch a driver dozing off, but it cannot fix the fatigue caused by a 14-hour shift,” a retired railway official noted. “It can record a signal being missed, but it cannot solve the underlying issues of signalling infrastructure or the lack of modern safety systems like Kavach on all routes.”
The tragic Bilaspur train crash serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of operational failures. While leveraging technology for oversight is a positive step, it must be part of a larger strategy. The future of railway safety depends on a balanced approach: using technology like CCTVs for accountability while simultaneously investing in the well-being and working conditions of the crew who keep the nation’s wheels turning.
