India's rail networks are incorporating AI and facial recognition systems into their stations, marking a significant advancement in the country's biometrics and surveillance market, projected to exceed $15 billion in value within the next five years.
According to a release from IDIS Global, the South Korean video surveillance manufacturer is equipping Indian Railways, Asia's largest rail network, with a 4K camera system featuring integrated AI video analytics and facial recognition technology from Herta Security. The initial phase of this extensive technology upgrade, launched in May 2024, involved installing cameras across hundreds of platforms in 230 high-traffic stations throughout the eastern region.
Herta Security's facial recognition algorithms enable real-time identification and alert authorities to persons-of-interest. IDIS's deep learning analytics system offers functionalities such as motion analysis, loitering detection, abandoned object detection, and line crossing alerts. A monitoring centre has been established at every fifth station, creating a connected network of command and control hubs for monitoring, data analysis, and crisis response. Additionally, the video management platform supports mobile surveillance through the IDIS Mobile Plus app, allowing image and video capture from smartphones to be integrated into the system. "Indian Railways sought the most adaptable, robust, and future-proof video surveillance solution to support their growth and development plans,? says Rahat Jain, MD, IDIS Securitatem Solutiones Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between IDIS and Indian systems integrator M2M Cybernetics. "With IDIS video, the Railway Protection Force now confidently operates 230 of the safest and most secure stations, prompting plans for further upgrades in two more regions."
Indian Railways operates 14,000 trains, transporting an estimated 9.5 million passengers daily. The network anticipates managing up to 40% of global rail activity by 2050.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is also leveraging AI, with plans to enhance efficiency and crowd management through AI-driven initiatives, as reported by the Economic Times. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC mentions that AI for driverless trains and enhanced facial recognition and CCTV camera surveillance are part of their strategic plans.
(Source: Biometric Update)
