This is a response from the Ministry of Railways, provided by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, to Unstarred Question No. 2883 posed by MD Abu Taher Khan in Lok Sabha, to be answered on December 17, 2025, regarding the budget and expenditure for the installation of Wi-Fi and CCTV cameras.
The response indicates the following:
* Almost all railway stations across Indian Railways have 4G/5G coverage provided by Telecom Service Providers.
* Free Wi-Fi is available at 6117 Railway Stations across Indian Railways; no separate funds have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways for these services.
* No personal information is required to access Wi-Fi at railway stations except for the mobile number used for OTP. The railway administration takes prompt action to address any issues regarding the Wi-Fi facility.
* CCTV surveillance systems have been installed at 1731 stations and 11,953 coaches to ensure passenger safety. CCTV Surveillance systems are provided and charged under capital expenditure.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The primary entity responsible for the installation and operation of Wi-Fi and CCTV cameras at railway stations.
Indian Railways: The railway network where Wi-Fi and CCTV cameras are being installed.
Wi-Fi: Wireless internet service provided at railway stations.
CCTV Cameras: Surveillance cameras installed at railway stations and coaches.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2883
TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025
BUDGET/EXPENDITURE FOR INSTALLATION OF WI-FI AND CCTV
CAMERAS
2883. MD ABU TAHER KHAN:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state :
(a) the details of budget and expenditure incurred by the Railways to
install and operate Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras and related technologies,
year-wise;
(b) the details of the component of this expenditure in relation to the
Operating Ratio of the Railways;
(c) whether people gaining access to Wi-Fi are required to give personal
details and if so, the initiatives taken/proposed to ensure security of
data; and
(d) the details of data breaches recorded/complaints received for the
same during the last year?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d): Almost all railway stations across Indian Railways have
4G/5G coverage provided by the Telecom Service Providers. These
networks are also being utilized by passengers for data connectivity
resulting in enhanced passenger experience.Besides the above, free Wi-Fi services have been provided at 6117
Railway Stations across Indian Railways. No separate funds have
been sanctioned by Ministry of Railways on these Wi-Fi services at
Railway stations.
There is no personal information asked to access Wi-Fi service
provided at the Railway Stations except the mobile number used for
OTP. Appropriate action is taken promptly by railway administration
whenever there are any issues with regard to working of Wi-Fi facility
at stations.
The installation of CCTV cameras at stations and coaches is an
ongoing process. So far, CCTV Surveillance system has been
provided at 1731 stations and 11,953 coaches for ensuring safe and
secure journey to railway passengers. CCTV Surveillance System are
provided and charged under capital expenditure.
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