Western Railway to boost security with 753 CCTVs ahead of Ujjain Simhastha-2028
The Western Railway’s Ratlam division has prepared a comprehensive plan to strengthen security, surveillance, passenger amenities and train operations across the Ujjain rail region ahead of Simhastha-2028, when the city is expected to witness a massive influx of pilgrims from across the country.
Official sources said the Signal and Telecommunication Department has planned the installation of 753 CCTV cameras at eight railway stations in the region. Of these, 217 cameras will be installed at Ujjain railway station alone.
The proposed surveillance network will include 194 4K fixed cameras, 133 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and 426 full-HD cameras. These cameras will cover platforms, foot overbridges, station premises, entry and exit points, passenger holding areas and other key locations to improve real-time monitoring and crowd management.
A centralised control-cum-CCTV monitoring room will also be set up at Ujjain railway station. The facility will enable integrated surveillance of the station premises, while also supporting coordinated management of passenger information and public announcement systems.
Railway officials said the control room would help authorities and security agencies respond quickly to crowd-related situations and other operational requirements, particularly during peak movement of pilgrims.
The passenger and train information display system, along with the public announcement system, is also being strengthened to ensure that passengers receive timely updates regarding train arrivals, departures, platform changes and other important information.
To support these systems, the division has planned an optical-fibre cable-based communication network along with enhanced telecommunication connectivity. The upgraded network is expected to improve reliability and ensure uninterrupted functioning of surveillance, information and communication systems during the congregation.
In order to reduce pressure on Ujjain railway station during Simhastha, the railway administration is also developing infrastructure and passenger facilities at nearby stations, including Naikhedi, Pawaiya, Lekoda, Pingleshwar, Vikram Nagar, Mohanpura and Chintaman Ganesh.
These stations are expected to play an important role in dispersing passenger load and handling additional traffic during the religious event.
Operational works are also being undertaken at Naikhedi, Pawaiya, Lekoda, Pingleshwar, Vikram Nagar and Ujjain to improve the handling and movement of special trains that are likely to be operated during Simhastha-2028.
The planned works include the construction of additional loop lines, stabling lines, emergency crossovers and common loop lines, besides other station and yard-related infrastructure upgrades.
The additional railway infrastructure will help in systematic stabling of special train rakes and is expected to ensure smoother and more efficient train operations during the large-scale movement of pilgrims.
The Ratlam division’s plan is aimed at strengthening railway security, crowd management, passenger information systems and operational preparedness well ahead of Simhastha-2028.
Railway authorities expect the combined measures to facilitate safer, more organised and more efficient rail travel for millions of devotees expected to visit Ujjain during the religious congregation.
