How AI Video Analytics Can Help Reduce Vandalism & Theft In Metro Systems

AI-integrated video analytics technology can analyse facial expressions and identify human emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, stress, nervousness, etc., based on individuals’ movements.

By Rahul Bhardwaj

Metro has become a convenient mode of transport for the masses because of its efficiency and eco-friendliness. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation broke its passenger journey record with the highest ridership of 71.09 lakh passengers in February 2024. Likewise, Chennai also recorded the highest footfall of 84 lakh people at metro stations in May this year. This shows how the metro is emerging as the most preferred mode of transportation across India.

With the growing popularity of the metro, metro stations are turning into crime hotspots rising incidents of theft and vandalism on metro premises. Over 3,000 criminal acts were reported from Delhi metro stations in 2023. Additionally, reports claim that the number of women arrested for theft and other crimes under IPC on Delhi Metro premises doubled in 2023. Such crimes on metro networks are rising not only in India but across the globe. Public stabbings, mass shootings, and terror attacks have become rampant in major cities globally. Hence, AI-enabled technology, especially surveillance tools powered by AI video analytics, is being increasingly used to enhance passenger safety and operational reliability.

How Does AI Video Analytics Work?

AI-infused Video analytics offers a preventive approach to safety and security in metro networks. This technology utilises deep learning algorithms for analysing video footage from surveillance systems. Based on its analysis, it generates powerful insights to help security personnel identify or monitor suspicious behaviour or objects so that they can take immediate action to mitigate impending dangers.

AI-enabled video analytics tools have already become ubiquitous in airports and railway stations. These smart surveillance solutions are equally crucial for metro systems as they can monitor platforms, metro trains, as well as entry and exit points. Bengaluru Metro is already poised to leverage AI for monitoring tracks on its Yellow Line.

Now let's understand how data-driven AI-integrated video analytics can enhance the safety and security of metro networks besides adding to passengers’ convenience.

Detecting Crowd Behaviour

AI-integrated video analytics technology can analyse facial expressions and identify human emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, stress, nervousness, etc., based on individuals’ movements. Based on this analysis, the technology alerts security professionals about suspicious individuals who are likely to commit a crime or other violent activities so that prompt action against people with criminal mindsets. Similarly, accident detectors can help prevent major accidents, while fall detectors can identify medical emergencies, respectively. 

Ensuring Safety Of Passengers And Staff

Enhancing passenger safety is the best benefit of leveraging video analytics in metro networks. AI video analytics help security teams identify individuals loitering in restricted areas and unattended objects. This enables them to handle potential threats well in advance, thus eliminating the risk of harm to passengers and staff members.

Likewise, AI-driven video analytics systems with motion sensors can detect, track and count people entering and leaving metro stations or the total number of passengers boarding a metro train at a time. This helps metro authorities determine peak hours and days when foot traffic is high so that they can allot adequate security professionals to keep crimes in check and schedule the number and frequency of trains accordingly to manage the crowd.

Facial Recognition Technology For Spotting Criminals

Facial recognition capabilities of video analytics tools also add to the overall efficiency of smart security solutions. Not only do they identify suspicious individuals but they can also be integrated with crime databases for identifying and reporting wanted criminals based on their facial features or dressing style. 

Final Thoughts

Surveillance tools in metro networks integrated with AI capabilities can significantly boost the efficiency of security systems besides helping security professionals make informed decisions and detect crimes even before they happen. With crime rates increasing by the day, the best option for public transport authorities, like the metro systems, is to embrace advanced technologies to resolve antisocial activities. Besides streamlining operations, such technologies also keep crimes at bay besides making passengers feel safe throughout their journey. 

(The author is the Vice President of Intozi, a comprehensive video analytics platform)

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