Drone surveillance to strengthen security onNaxal-affected railway tracks

In a major step towards enhancing railway security, the Chakradharpur Railway Division has introduced drone-camera surveillance along naxal-affected railway tracks to safeguard passengers and protect critical railway infrastructure.

Railways Deploy Aerial Surveillance System to Protect Critical Tracks and Assets

The aerial surveillance system has been deployed across sensitive railway sections, enabling continuous monitoring of tracks passing through remote forested areas, major bridges, tunnels and other vital railway assets. The initiative aims to detect suspicious activities and potential security threats at an early stage, railway officials said.

Overcoming Dense Terrain: Real-Time Video Feeds to Assist RPF Patrols

Until now, security in these vulnerable areas relied primarily on ground patrols by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and district police. However, the dense forests and difficult terrain made it extremely challenging for security personnel to maintain constant vigilance across every location.

With the deployment of drones, the RPF now receives real-time video feeds and high-resolution images from sensitive locations. The footage is monitored and analysed from a central control room. In the event of any suspicious movement near the railway tracks, the RPF immediately coordinates with the local police, Government Railway Police (GRP) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to launch a joint response.

Heightened Vigilance During ‘Daman Virodhi Saptah’ and AI Integration Plans

According to railway officials, the smart surveillance system will significantly strengthen preventive security measures and help ensure safer train operations in vulnerable areas.

The Railways also plan to integrate AI-enabled smart cameras with the drone surveillance system, providing real-time coverage of dense forests, hilly terrain and tunnels.

“Drone cameras have been deployed by the RPF as part of a remote surveillance initiative during Daman Virodhi Saptah (June 25–July 1), a period observed by Naxal groups,” said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Chakradharpur, Aditya Choudhary.

He added that aerial surveillance will continue even after the observance period as part of the division’s long-term security strategy.

“Continuous aerial monitoring, coupled with ground domination patrols, is being carried out to maintain heightened vigilance and deter any threat to railway operations on the Chakradharpur–Manoharpur section,” Choudhary said.

The enhanced security measures come in the wake of past Maoist attacks targeting railway infrastructure in the region.

On August 2, 2025, Maoists carried out a twin-stage improvised explosive device (IED) attack during Shaheed Saptah (Martyrs’ Week) between the Karampada and Rengda sidings in West Singhbhum district. One railway employee was killed and another sustained injuries in the blasts.

Earlier, on December 22, 2023, during a Resistance Week called by Naxalites, an explosion damaged railway tracks between Mahadevsal and Posoita stations, disrupting traffic on the Howrah–Mumbai main line and forcing the cancellation of more than a dozen trains.

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