New Certification Rules Slow Down CCTV Installation at Mumbai Railway Stations

Mumbai – A new government rule requiring certification for high-end CCTV cameras with facial recognition features is causing delays in their installation across railway stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). While the move aims to reduce security risks from foreign-made surveillance systems, it has temporarily slowed down crucial security upgrades at stations under Central and Western Railway.

 

Why the Delay?

Since April 2025, vendors supplying CCTV cameras with Facial Recognition Software (FRS) must get them certified by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) directorate under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The rule came into force amid rising concerns about potential surveillance risks from Chinese-made components.

As a result, many vendors now have to change hardware, image sensors, firmware, and software — most of which were previously imported from China — to comply with Indian security standards. A senior railway official explained, “STQC requires full transparency and control over the technology stack. Most Chinese-made cameras do not meet these conditions.”

This change has hit supply chains hard. According to industry estimates, over 80% of CCTV and surveillance gear in India comes from Chinese manufacturers. Vendors now face the additional burden of redesigning their products or sourcing new components from elsewhere.
 

Impact on Central and Western Railway
 

The Western Railway (WR) has already installed over 2,200 CCTV cameras, all equipped with FRS. However, Central Railway (CR) is lagging behind, with many stations still awaiting these advanced security systems.

Officials from both railway zones, as well as RailTel — the railway telecom arm responsible for digital connectivity — were in the process of installing new cameras when the updated certification mandate came into effect.

Now, each camera model must be inspected and cleared by the Research, Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow. This extra step is meant to ensure that all equipment adheres to STQC standards before being deployed.

 

Short-Term Hurdles for Passenger Safety

Officials admitted that this delay may temporarily affect passenger security, especially in crowded areas of the Central Railway network. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) often depend on real-time CCTV footage to investigate and prevent crimes.

A recent example of FRS technology aiding investigations is the Shariful Islam case — the accused who broke into actor Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra home earlier this year was tracked down using facial recognition tools.

“Without new FRS cameras, our capacity to identify suspects or track suspicious activity in real-time is reduced,” said a GRP official.
 

Government Response and Interim Relief

Acknowledging the challenges, the government has temporarily allowed vendors to sell and install existing stock of CCTV systems — even if they haven't received STQC clearance. This move ensures that station surveillance doesn't come to a complete standstill during the transition period.

A spokesperson from the Federation of All India IT Associations said, “While the process is time-consuming, it's a much-needed step for national security. In the long run, it will lead to safer, more reliable systems.”
 

What's Next?

The certification process is expected to take several months as vendors work to upgrade their hardware and software. Once fully implemented, this policy will help reduce dependency on Chinese equipment, improve data security, and strengthen surveillance integrity at critical public infrastructure sites like railway stations.

Until then, rail authorities will continue to rely on existing systems while slowly phasing in the newly certified technology.

 

Conclusion
 

The new certification rule has created short-term hurdles but promises long-term benefits. By focusing on security, transparency, and indigenous sourcing, the Indian government is laying the groundwork for a more secure and self-reliant surveillance network — one that passengers across Mumbai's railways can count on.