Bhagalpur: The railways has decided to use camera-fitted drones to enhance surveillance for security under the Malda division and Jamui under the Asansol division of Eastern Railway.

The drone cameras will mainly be used for watching tracks, bridges, stations and yards. "Since the railways has concentrated on modernisation for safety and security reasons, utilisation of drone cameras will be very fruitful. The plan will be implemented after completing formalities," said Eastern Railway chief public relations officer Ravi Mahapatra. "It's mainly for security-related things."

He said railway stations, yards, relief and rescue operations at the time of accidents or any other mishap, progress of railway works, non-interlinking and other vital works will now directly be under the preview of railway officials. "It will give timely visuals along with live footage from particular sites helping them to guide junior colleagues on the field for proper work," he said.

"We expect the drones to be effective in foiling the disruptive attempts of Maoists who hold sway in eastern Bihar districts and target railway tracks and railway properties in Munger and Jamui from time to time," said another senior railway official.