Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway has reported a nearly 80% reduction in crime and safety-related incidents at vulnerable locations following the installation of solar-powered CCTV surveillance cameras under its EAGLANCE initiative. According to a comparative analysis of incidents reported between Jan 1 and Oct 20 in 2025 and 2026, the total number of cases declined from 229 to 49, marking a reduction of about 79%, said an ECoR official statement.The decline was recorded across several categories. Cases of sabotage and placement of foreign materials came down from two to zero, cable cutting from 10 to three, stone pelting from 20 to three and theft of passenger belongings from two to zero. Alarm chain pulling cases dropped sharply from 186 to 42, while other crime-related incidents declined from nine to one.The Railway Protection Force of ECoR has introduced EAGLANCE as a sustainable surveillance system for remote, power-deficient and Naxal-affected areas. The solar-powered CCTV cameras, equipped with integrated lightning protection, have been installed at railway stations, level crossings, bridges, tunnels, isolated track stretches, yards and other vulnerable locations.The system enables round-the-clock real-time monitoring and recording, helping the RPF detect suspicious activities, take preventive action and strengthen investigation of offences. It has also contributed to improved protection of railway assets and enhanced passenger safety.ECoR has sanctioned 2,459 solar-powered CCTV cameras under Phase-I and Works and Maintenance provisions across its three divisions. Of these, 1,006 cameras have already been installed, including 543 in Khurda Road division, 66 in Rayagada division and 397 in Sambalpur division.Installation of the remaining 1,453 cameras is in progress. These include 500 cameras in Khurda Road division, 350 in Rayagada division and 603 in Sambalpur division.