Odisha: Drones to plug security gaps across ECoR network

Bhubaneswar, Oct 11 (UNI) East Coast Railway (ECoR) plans to double its drone fleet from 11 to 22 by March 2027 to strengthen surveillance, prevent sabotage and stone pelting, and detect theft and other security threats across its network. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is using drones under its DROAWK EYE - Observation, Detection, Prevention initiative to monitor vulnerable railway stretches, track suspicious movements and protect critical infrastructure. The existing fleet comprises four drones in Khurda Road, six in Sambalpur and one in Rayagada division, backed by 160 DGCA-certified drone pilots. The surveillance network spans 284 stations, 2,708 route kilometres…