The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has introduced an AI-based robotic surveillance system at Puri railway station ahead of Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Yatra on July 24. The technology aims to strengthen passenger safety and support security personnel during the large-scale religious gathering.

DSC ARJUN to Assist RPF During Bahuda Yatra

The AI-powered robotic platform, named DSC ARJUN, will initially be deployed at Puri station due to the expected arrival of lakhs of devotees for the festival.

"Since lakhs of devotees throng the pilgrim town on the occasion of Bahuda Yatra, ECoR authorities have decided to deploy it in Puri for the time being. It may later be shifted to Bhubaneswar railway station," an official said.

AI Technology to Improve Railway Security

According to ECoR, DSC ARJUN has been developed to assist the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by using advanced technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Computer vision
• Machine learning
• Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems

The platform is designed to provide faster monitoring and enable more proactive security measures at railway stations.

Evolution of Robotic Policing in Indian Railways

Robotic security systems were first introduced in Indian Railways in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Central Railway developed Captain ARJUN to support frontline staff.

Following this initiative, ECoR launched the humanoid robot ASC ARJUN at Visakhapatnam railway station on January 23 this year. DSC ARJUN is the next step in this technology journey, combining AI-powered surveillance with advanced analytics.

Key Features of DSC ARJUN

Designed as a support system for RPF personnel, DSC ARJUN can provide 24/7 surveillance and intelligent monitoring. Its major features include:

• AI-based facial recognition
• Real-time crowd analysis
• Passenger counting
• Unattended baggage detection
• Suspicious activity identification
• Public announcements
• Live video streaming
• Instant security alerts

Deployment Across Sensitive Railway Areas

Officials said the robotic platform can be used at several locations, including:

• Railway platforms
• Station concourses
• Booking counters
• Waiting halls
• Parking areas
• Parcel offices
• Other vulnerable zones
• Role in Crowd Management and Emergency Response

ECoR officials said continuous monitoring and AI-based analysis will help RPF personnel in preventing crimes, managing large crowds, protecting railway property and responding quickly during emergencies.

The deployment of DSC ARJUN marks another step towards integrating advanced technology into railway security operations.

[With PTI inputs]