Date:25/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/25/stories/2006042502410200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

`Spot your train' facility

Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: The problems faced by the public, especially commuters, in getting information about the current position of the train has been overcome with the introduction of `Spot your train' facility in the Thiruvananthapuram railway division.

The public would now be able to spot the train on real time basis in the 13 touch-screen passenger information kiosks installed in various stations in the division, according to the Railways.

To provide this service, the passenger information kiosk software has been upgraded by integrating train running information and reservation ability. The touch- screen network has been connected to the computerised train control system.

Till now, the passenger information kiosks provided only information on reservation-related inquiries such as reservation status, fare information, timetable and coach position. As many as 16 more passenger information touch-screen kiosks would be installed in various railway stations in the division by the end of May.

Already, there are two passenger information kiosks in Thiruvananthapuram Central. The kiosks at Ernakulam Town and Aluva would be commissioned soon. Railway sources said the public would also be able to spot the train on the web site of the railways once the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) is commissioned.

All the passenger information touch screens in the division are working on WI-FI technology using the bandwidth of the Optic Fibre Cable (OFC) system of the railways.