CR trains to have platform indicators

The next time you are travelling in a Central Railway (CR) local and are unsure about the direction of the platform, just look at the indicator.

The next time you are travelling in a Central Railway (CR) local and are unsure about the direction of the platform, just look at the indicator.

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CR has activated platform indicators in running suburban trains to help commuters to inform the direction of the platform of the approaching station.

“We have begun installing these indicators on an experimental basis in all new trains. The new train already has the infrastructure of a GPS-based passenger communication system like LCD screens and speakers. Following suggestions by commuters, we decided to give this feature a try,” said a senior railway official, requesting anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to the media.

“It is working fine and soon all the trains will get it in a phased manner.”

The indicator software has been added to the existing LCD screens in new trains and a small green arrow pointing the direction of the platform appears as the approaching station’s name is announced. The indicators have been installed following suggestions from commuters through the centralised SMS complaint system.

The platform indicators have been installed in 240 coaches, which form 20 twelve-car trains, on CR’s suburban network.