Mumbai: Central Railway Accelerates CCTV Installation in Motorman Cabins Post-Thane Mishap

Mumbai, June 26: In a significant move aimed at enhancing safety and accountability on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, the Central Railway has fast-tracked the installation of CCTV cameras in motorman cabins, weeks after the Thane-Mumbra accident that raised concerns about operational transparency and accident response.

According to officials, 50 CCTV systems have already been installed across 25 local trains operated by Central Railway. An additional 30 systems have been ordered to equip 15 more trains. The estimated cost for equipping both motorman cabins of a single local train is approximately ₹1.24 lakh.

Meanwhile, Western Railway has already installed this system in 26 local trains. The CCTV initiative will allow real-time recording inside the motorman's cabin, helping authorities investigate incidents thoroughly and determine the exact sequence of events leading up to any accident.

“Passenger accidents—whether due to falling from trains or crossing tracks—often lack clear evidence, making it difficult for railways to determine fault and provide justified compensation,” said a senior official from Central Railway. These CCTV cameras are expected to capture crucial details such as:

• Whether the motorman followed all signals and instructions

• If external factors or passenger behavior contributed to an accident

• The motorman's reaction time and stress levels during emergencies

Officials believe that these recordings will help railways present a clearer case in court, especially in compensation-related hearings, and also assist in framing better safety policies.

While there was initial resistance from Central Railway motormen, concerns eased after the recent Mumbra incident, where the lack of concrete evidence hampered investigations. The railway administration has since prioritized the rollout.

The new system is expected to act as both a deterrent to negligence and a support mechanism for motormen, allowing for a better understanding of the real-time challenges they face.

As the city’s lifeline continues to evolve, authorities hope this initiative will set a new benchmark in safety, transparency, and operational efficiency for Mumbai’s suburban rail network.