Railway platform permission in India

Yes, you will definitely not be allowed to shoot without permission , and especially since the Bombay blast, security is heightened! You can get a few shots, but if you plan to spend any more that a few minutes, you should write to the Railway Ministry and get permission. Are you going to shoot in a fixed location, or is it all over the country? The Indian Railways has many different zones, and you may have to get permission more than once. I have been pulled up by the Railway Police for shooting on the suburban train stations in Bombay, I was politely taken to the office and questioned for 10-15 mins inspite of waving a press card. And they asked me to go to the Head Office in Colaba (in Mumbai) to get permission.

Thanks for the reply. What exactly is needed for the permission? Letter from an editor, press accreditation, ..?

you need a letter from the editor, and an accredition which is preferable.
IS it for a still or a movie shoot, news or commercial…they have a rate card for each.
News is free, but you would need prior permission, if you are shooting all over India , then you should apply at the Indian Rail HQ in Delhi.
Some zones might require insurance cover .

Hi Kimball, I’ve photographed India’s railways for years and rarely had any problems. Occasionally you’ll be moved on, but that’s no big deal. If I were you I’d give it a go, and only worry about getting permission if you keep getting stopped. You can always play the part of the ignorant tourist!

Pete

What exactly do you want to shoot? video or photos? If you are shooting a documentary, then you first need the central govt approval and then the railways. If it’s a commercial project, the railways take a refundable deposit and a daily filming fee.

If it’s for a documentary, the central govt permission has to be shown to the railway authorities and their approval is needed.

Pete, post the terrorist attack the “ignorant tourist” will be in the slammer…questions asked later.
Agree what Uday said.

Thanks for all the tips. I’m looking to just shoot photo.

I hear varying reports as to how important a ‘J’ visa is in India. I have a 10 year visa that I’m not willing to forfeit for one assignment – will this approach come back and bite me in the ass?

Kimball,
Just might…:-)
It takes patience in these parts of the wood…but you will get the fruit. Sounds corny but this is reality…nowaday they (security) is a bit tight with general elections round the corner. It doesn’t hurt to get the pass.

Pete.Do not worry so much regarding shooting at the stations.All that is mentioned above is true but there is a simple way to get around it.If you are shooting in Mumbai you need a letter from the editor, and an accredition like anamitra mentioned and this might hold true for major cities.If your paperwork is in order getting permission to shoot would be easy and you will have a blast shooting here.Cheers