South Western Railway (SWR) in India has launched a revolutionary AI-powered communication system that will significantly improve railway safety and operational efficiency. The new system revolutionises railway operations by providing advanced surveillance capabilities, seamless connectivity and high-level data integration between stations and trains.
India's First Unified Communications System (CCS) Introduced
South Western Railway (SWR) has introduced the country’s first Combined Communication System (CCS) in a first for the Indian railway network. The project, which has been implemented with an investment of approximately $6,6 million, combines voice, video and data services on a single integrated platform. The new CCS provides a secure and uninterrupted communication infrastructure between trains, stations and operational centres across India, officials said. One of the key components of this system is a sophisticated Video Surveillance System (VSS) spread across 228 railway stations across the country.
Security Increased with Comprehensive Video Surveillance System
This widespread deployment of VSS, which marks a significant transformation in security management on Indian railways, has been made possible through investments from various sources. While fourteen A and B category stations have benefited from the Nirbhaya Fund, which focuses on women’s safety, the remaining 214 stations have received direct capital investment. This comprehensive system comprises of a total of 4 high-resolution cameras, including Full HD Bullet, Dome, Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) and 2.784K Ultra HD models. Placed at strategic locations, all these cameras are centrally managed through Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCC), enabling security personnel to monitor a wide area simultaneously.
Digital Transformation in Railways: SDH Gives Way to Scalable Systems
In addition to significantly enhancing surveillance capabilities, SWR is also undergoing a modern transformation of its communications infrastructure. The outdated Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) technology is being replaced with scalable digital communications systems that significantly improve bandwidth efficiency and dynamic routing, making it ideal for modern railway operations across India. This transition will help optimize operational processes by enabling faster and more reliable data transmission.
Proactive Security with AI-Powered Surveillance
One of the most striking features of the new communication system is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). By enhancing the CCTV system, AI algorithms can automatically detect unusual movements, sudden changes in light, objects of certain colors (for example, a person wearing red), and potentially emergency events such as falls or abnormal movement in a crowd. This proactive security approach allows for the early identification of potential threats and timely interventions, significantly increasing the overall safety of the railway network.
Successful Pilot Implementation in Mysuru Division
The pilot implementation of this revolutionary system has been successfully carried out in Mysuru Division in South India. CCTV system has been actively used in 31 stations across the division. In addition, Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and Divisional Network Operations Centre (NOC) have been set up in this division and are functioning effectively. VoIP based Train Control Communication System (TCCS) is fully operational in 71 stations across Mysuru Division. The security audits completed in Mysuru, Pandavapura and Mandya also provide an important basis for the expansion of the project across the country.
Target: CCS Implementation in All India by September 2025
Following the successful implementation in Mysuru Division, South Western Railway aims to fully implement this comprehensive Combined Communication System (CCS) across India by September 2025. This ambitious target heralds the beginning of a new era in safety and operational efficiency on Indian railways. With AI-enabled surveillance, seamless communication and advanced data integration, the Indian railway network will become safer, more efficient and better prepared for the challenges of the future.
