Western Railway’s local trains are getting digital destination displays on the sidewalls of motor coaches to improve passenger convenience. Commuters have welcomed the move but stressed the need for proper upkeep
The display toggles between English (permanently fixed), Hindi, and Marathi every three seconds. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Western Railway’s local trains are getting digital destination displays on the sidewalls of motor coaches to improve passenger convenience. Commuters have welcomed the move but stressed the need for proper upkeep.
“The existing passenger information system does not have displays on the sidewalls of local trains to inform waiting passengers about train details. Taking a step further, the Mumbai Central carshed of Western Railway’s Mumbai division has pioneered the installation of external panorama digital displays on the sidewalls of motor coaches. This innovative feature allows passengers to easily identify train services, making travel on the Mumbai Suburban network more convenient and informed,” said Western Railway Chief Public Relations officer Vineet Abhishek.
How it works at present
Currently, real-time information is integrated into EMU rakes through a front display located in the motorman’s cab. It shows the train’s destination, whether the rake has 12 or 15 coaches, and the position of the handicapped coach. Inside the coaches, scrolling displays show upcoming stations and the final destination. However, there has been no display on the train’s exterior sidewalls—until now.
How many and where
“Each 12-car train features eight digital sidewall displays—four on each side—providing a panoramic view of key travel details. So far, one 12-car train has been fitted with the new displays. Ten more are lined up next, and eventually all rakes will be upgraded,” Abhishek added.
Cost and functionality
Each unit costs around R14 lakh, including software integration. As soon as the train number is fed in by the guard before departure—a mandatory process—the display auto-updates via this software link.
What it shows
The display toggles between English (permanently fixed), Hindi, and Marathi every three seconds. It shows the train’s destination, whether it’s a 12-car or 15-car service, and if it’s a slow (S) or fast (F) train.
What commuters say
In future, the display should also indicate seating arrangements for specially-abled people and senior citizens in each coach,” said Rajiv Singal, member of the Western Railway Mumbai Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee. “The outside wall should also be used for commercial ads or, in their absence, social slogans.”
Subhash Gupta from Yatri Sangh Mumbai added, “It’s a good idea, but maintenance is key. Many times, even the main front panel is non-functional, and a physical board is placed in the motorman’s window, which isn’t visible at night.”
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