Mumbai’s Central Railway suggests GPS-based mobile app for railway platforms

If Central Railway’s proposal is accepted, soon city railway commuters will have a global positioning system (GPS)–based mobile application to guide them on the location of platforms, staircases, foot-over-bridges, escalators, toilets and even coach position of outstation trains at a station.

If Central Railway’s proposal is accepted, soon city railway commuters will have a global positioning system (GPS)–based mobile application to guide them on the location of platforms, staircases, foot-over-bridges, escalators, toilets and even coach position of outstation trains at a station.

The suggestion to launch such an app was made by the CR during the three-day Rail Vikas Shivir at New Delhi. (Representational photo)

The suggestion to launch such an app was made by the CR during the three-day Rail Vikas Shivir at New Delhi. The conclave, which witnesses participation of all zonal railways, started on Friday. The Centre will select innovative and practical ideas for implementation.

The CR also wants to offer standardised meal in long-distance trains. “Currently, we offer a lot of choices such as dal rice, khichdi, among others. The suggestion is to offer only limited choice as is done in flights. This will help in maintaining quality,” said Narendra Patil, chief public relation officer (CPRO), CR.

The railways have also suggested a tie-up with private service provider to assist senior citizens. “The service provider will pick up the senior citizen on a long-distance train journey and ensure he is dropped to his destination,” said Patil.

The other suggestions are to provide offline entertainment such as books, music and movies to railway passengers.