How do I get permission for photography? Is permission really needed?
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As discussed above, often it is best to avoid problems by getting a permit ahead of time (apply 2 months or so in advance) if you plan on doing any significant amount of photography or videotaping. A permit may be obtained by writing to the Joint Director of Public Relations, at the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi, or to the Senior PRO (Public Relations Officer) of any regional division, or the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of a zonal railway. List...
more... the stations where you intend to take photographs, and the dates for which the permit is desired.
You must also state that the photographs are for personal use and not for commercial gain, and that you will not "tarnish the image of the railways" or otherwise defame IR with your photographs(!). You will receive a sheaf of permission letters -- multiple copies of the permit, which you hand out on demand to various officials later. Normally permits are issued only for still photography. Video photography permits involve more red tape.
Although a station master may not always ask to see the permit, it's a good idea to drop by the station master's (or assistant station master's) office and let him know before engaging in extensive photography. A station master at some of the bigger stations (e.g., New Delhi) might also dispatch an orderly to accompany you while you are photographing, which prevents further hassles with security personnel. Similarly, before photographing at a shed you should talk to the shed foreman. A permit from the CPRO of the zonal railway is almost a necessity at some loco sheds (e.g., Bandra Marshalling Yard) and even that may not work; a letter from Rail Bhavan is often not sufficient. Even railfans with multiple permit letters have sometimes been turned down by shed foremen and others.
[2001] It has recently been reported that in some cases the CPRO's office now charges a fee for the photography permit, about Rs 2000, although it is not clear if the fee is for a permit for a specific location or one valid across many areas. Many offices do not yet charge this fee.
A photography permit may also be obtained from an Indian embassy or consulate, especially one of the larger ones. This can take a long time, however.
Note that videotaping or using movie cameras is not permitted, technically, under the terms of the standard photography permit issued to railfans; however, possession of an official piece of paper on Railway Ministry letterhead may be better than nothing in some sticky situations, and may smooth over the concerns of security personnel or other railway staff.
Sheds and Workshops, Production Facilities: Permits are needed to enter and visit carsheds, loco sheds, workshops, and production facilities. You may be able to get an invitation from an official at such a facility; otherwise, you need to get a permit from the concerned PRO's office. Loco sheds, workshops, etc., are under the relevant zonal railways' PRO; manufacturing facilities like CLW, DLW, etc., have their own PRO offices. Even with the permit, you need to arrange for the visit at a specific time -- you will be escorted around the facilities and cannot roam around on your own (this is mostly for your own safety since there are hazardous locations and equipment in these facilities). The permits for visiting these facilities may or may not allow photography, and you are advised to double-check with your appointed guide when you do visit the facility.
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Source: IRFCA
