NEW DELHI: To strengthen security on trains, Indian Railways is expediting the process of installing CCTV surveillance cameras in 20,000 coaches at a cost of Rs 700 crore , which will be derived from Nirbhaya fund.

"It has been decided in a recent meeting held at the PMO to speed up certain projects which include works on new lines, construction of rail overbridges and underbridges, improving passenger convenience, and safety and security...," a senior railway ministry official, who was present in the meeting, said.

Though railways has plans to install CCTV cameras in a maximum number of trains, not many barring a few suburban services could be equipped with surveillance cameras so far.

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The official said as per the plan, installation of CCTV cameras as a security measure is a priority, and the railways is coordinating with the women and child development ministry for immediate release of Nirbhaya fund for the purpose.

Nirbhaya fund was created in 2013, after the brutal gang rape incident in the national capital in December 2012, to support initiatives by government and NGOs working towards protecting the dignity and ensuring safety of women.

The fund has a total of about Rs 3,000 crore and the WCD ministry is the nodal ministry.

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Recently, an AC 3-tier coach manufactured at Chennai's Integrated Coach Factory rolled out with CCTV camera facility. There are about 11,000 trains running daily, of which only a few selected are being provided with security escort service. About 1,300 trains are escorted by RPF while GRP is involved in escorting 2,200 trains.

CCTV cameras will be installed in ladies compartments as well as general compartments, said the official.

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Railways has installed CCTV cameras at all major stations as part of the integrated security system for keeping track on events on railway premises. Now it has been decided that CCTV cameras installed at stations will also be utilised for keeping a tab on sanitation performance.