Airtel Business has sealed a multi-year agreement with the Indian Railway Security Operations Centre (IRSOC) to offer cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for Indian Railways’ digital network.
This partnership will protect one of the largest and significant transportation networks in the country. This includes over 13,000 trains in operation per day, surpassing 20 million passenger-carrying capacity. The system will also protect millions of digital transactions and 1.5 billion tons of freight per annum.
The development comes amid heightened fears of cyberattacks on national infrastructure, digital payments, and operating systems. Airtel Business will install multi-layer security controls along the railway network to facilitate seamless and secure digital operations.
Airtel Business obtained, under the agreement, the complete digital infrastructure setup of Indian Railways, with 160,000 employees spread over 26 sites. The services protect the core databases used for ticketing, train monitoring operations, freight operations, and signaling.
The security system will integrate international technologies with next-generation Make in India cybersecurity solutions. Airtel stated that the system will be an AI-based, entirely indigenous, and compliant with national standards, specifically designed for critical infrastructure.
Sharat Sinha, CEO & Director, Airtel Business, stated, “At Airtel Business, we understand that in today’s times of escalating cyber risks that threaten operational continuity, data integrity, and passenger safety, advanced defense mechanisms play a critical role. We are honoured to be chosen by IRSOC as their trusted partner to fortify the security of India’s most complex and large-scale digital infrastructure with vast railway networks and databases.”
He stated that the Airtel system would enhance efficiency in ticketing and data handling, while protecting railway operations from emerging cyberattacks, ensuring safe and uninterrupted digital services to millions of daily commuters.
Dilip Kumar, EDIP at the Railway Board, emphasized the need for enhanced cybersecurity as the railways increasingly rely on digital technology for operations, maintenance, production, and procurement.
“The establishment of IRSOC provides a centralised Security Operations Centre to continuously monitor railway assets, detect and respond to cyber threats, gather threat intelligence, and coordinate with national cybersecurity agencies,” he said.
Kumar added that this approach will improve service delivery, streamline IT operations, and protect passengers by ensuring uninterrupted services.
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With Airtel Business providing security for digital interactions, such as ticket reservations and cargo tracking, these should be far more secure. The network is designed to protect sensitive customer data, prevent service disruptions, and ensure the seamless operation of the extensive railway system.
This step holds prime importance in modernizing Indian railway infrastructure, where cutting-edge technology and AI-based protocols for securing critical national systems are integrated.