Facial Recognition Boosts Security in Asia's Rail and Metro Systems

Published Date : 10/3/2025 

Experts from RecFaces, Bosch Security, and South Central Railway discuss how facial recognition technology can improve security and operational efficiency in Asia's rapidly expanding rail and metro systems. 

In a recent webinar organized by RecFaces, biometrics and transportation security experts explored how facial recognition systems can enhance the safety and security of rail and metro passengers in Asia. Contributions during the exchange came from Oleg Kurychkin, Business Development executive for Asia Pacific at RecFaces; Dr. Ajay Talwar, head of Business Verticals for India & SARC at Bosch Security and Safety Systems, and Shadan Khan, chief security commissioner at South Central Railway (SCR) in India.

The discussions come on the heels of a surge in public transportation usage in countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and India. Projections suggest that the use of rail and metro transportation in Asia will reach 97 percent by 2050.

During the webinar, discussants touched on how face biometrics can strengthen both security and operational capacity, cited examples of successful biometric deployments for transit, and looked at how operational optimization can be achieved using data-driven approaches. The panelists acknowledged that Asia’s rail and metro sector is expanding rapidly, driven by government investment, sustainability goals, and passenger demand. Alongside infrastructure growth, operators are increasingly embracing digitalization and, specifically, facial biometrics to enhance security, streamline operations, and improve the passenger experience.

Kurychkin noted the security pressures that come with these systems of transport. “Railways are the critical infrastructure. They move millions of people and goods every day, and that makes them attractive targets for organized theft, vandalism, and even terrorism,” he said. He then added why biometrics should be used as a proactive security measure. “Manual ID checks take 30-60 seconds. With facial biometrics, verification takes less than one second. They just have to approach the gate, look at the camera, and pass through. It is simple, intuitive, and effortless.”

Talwar emphasized that biometric security for these transport systems must be deployed with reliable and proven surveillance infrastructure to be effective. He also highlighted Bosch’s long-standing role in metro and railway security, citing the Delhi Metro where their platforms have been operational since 2002. “Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been using our solution for more than two decades now, at more than 300 locations,” he said, before adding that “these systems are very complex; it is not simple installing cameras nowadays, it is becoming more of an AI-based thing.”

Khan, for his part, admitted that rail and metro projects are capital-intensive, which means there’s a need for stronger government involvement. He also shared his thoughts about the issue of security, stating that because of the growing vulnerability to theft, vandalism, and terrorism, and with rising passenger volumes, technology must be inevitably used to fill the gap. He referenced their own system. “Thanks to a very well-functioning facial recognition system, we could handle the Kumbh Mela mega event [a religious gathering] successfully and securely,” he said. “The smartness of the system is that even with cover-ups like masks or caps, it recognizes the face and gives us the real-time alert.”

Meanwhile, in an analysis, RecFaces explains that many of the countries in Asia are resorting to rail and metro facial recognition for several reasons, including ticketless boarding, contactless travel payments, enhanced security through real-time alerts, fraud reduction, and operational efficiency. The analysis cites examples from Japan, Indonesia, and India where rail and metro networks have face biometrics systems, some on pilots and others on full deployment.

Japan’s Osaka Metro has installed facial recognition gates at 130 of its 134 stations to improve passenger flow and security, while JR East network is trialling facial recognition on the Joetsu Shinkansen line for ticketless boarding. The write-up mentions the Indonesia example where facial recognition systems have been installed and are active in 22 major rail and metro stations. Passengers can use the system from a mobile app to complete contactless boarding, a move that also seeks to fight congestion and contribute to greener travel following a jump in car ownership.

In India, biometrics deployments appear to be motivated more by security rather than easy ticketing, RecFaces notes. It mentions that an AI-based face biometrics system is being deployed in seven of the country’s busiest railway stations to assist in the real-time identification of persons linked to serious offenses. RecFaces says it is well positioned “to provide the expertise, technology, and compliance needed to make Asian metros and railways ticketless, contactless, and secure for millions of daily passengers.” 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What are the main benefits of using facial recognition in rail and metro systems?

A: Facial recognition offers faster and more secure verification, enhanced security through real-time alerts, reduced fraud, and improved operational efficiency.

Q: How does facial recognition technology improve passenger flow in metro stations?

A: By allowing for contactless and ticketless boarding, facial recognition reduces congestion and speeds up the boarding process, improving overall passenger flow.

Q: What are some successful examples of facial recognition deployment in Asia?

A: Japan’s Osaka Metro, Indonesia’s major rail and metro stations, and India’s busiest railway stations have successfully implemented facial recognition systems for security and operational purposes.

Q: How does facial recognition technology handle cover-ups like masks or caps?

A: Advanced facial recognition systems can recognize faces even with cover-ups like masks or caps, providing real-time alerts and maintaining security.

Q: What role does government investment play in the expansion of rail and metro systems in Asia?

A: Government investment is crucial for the expansion of rail and metro systems, as these projects are capital-intensive and require significant funding and support. 

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