Adapting itself to the changing times, the Railway Ministry had decided to relax conditions relating to photography and videography in railway stations for Indian citizens.
A recent circular from Rajesh Dutt Bajpayee, director of Information and Publicity, Railway Board, said the Railways acknowledges the advancement in photography and videography technology, particularly with the advent of mobile phone cameras. Hence, it has decided to relax the conditions imposed in 2007 in view of the extensive advances in the media.
The new guidelines have done away with requirement of seeking permission for photography and videography through mobile as well as small digital cameras at the station’s concourse, circulating area, and end-platforms by Indian citizens as long as it is for non-commercial purposes. People engaged in the activity have to produce a valid journey ticket if they are in the ticketing area and an identity proof “on demand” to the station in-charge.
However, if a journalist intends to undertake photography or videography with professional equipment, permission needs to be sought from the authorities concerned. Similarly, if an NGO or any organisation desires to undertake these activities for social causes, they will be allowed with prior permission. Both these are considered non-commercial purposes by the Railways, but no fee will be levied.
All other kinds of photography and videography, with professional cameras, will be treated as commercial and an appropriate fee has to be paid.
People engaged in these acts should confine their activities to stations or trains, without affecting the normal working of the Railways and passengers. The policy, however, prohibits photography or videography near running locos, footboards, and on top of trains. All other conditions relating to still photography and cinema shooting mentioned in the June 2007 circular will remain intact.
