June 29: The Western Railway (WR) seems to be in a great hurry. While their public address system on locals is yet to become operational, plans are already afoot to install a Train Describer System (TDS) at all suburban stations.The installation of TDS, however will require many accessories like Video Display Units (VDU) and computerised voice response system, among others. According to A K Chopra, Chief Signal and Telecommunications Engineer of WR, TDS will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of WR.Chopra asserted there was a need to further upgrade technology to improve services. ``TDS will inform passengers about the exact location of a suburban train by the second. VDU will display updated information about the oncoming train, the next train and the one after it, complete with the platform numbers they will be arriving at.''A parent computer system will monitor the movement of trains. Such a system already exists in New Delhi, Chopra informed. Likely to cost a whopping Rs 36 crore, the fully computerised state-of-the-art system will be operational by the end of the century, he stated.Another system where a passenger can dial a number and get information about trains will also be introduced. ``At the press of a button, one will be able to know the exact location of the train from a particular station. One will also be able to know exactly how many minutes it will take for the train to reach a particular station.This applies to both the suburban and out-station trains.'' When asked about the Public Address System which is lying unused for over six months, Chopra said it would be functional once the TDS becomes operational. Sources said the PAS was not being used as motormen refused to make announcements due to the railways' diktat to speak first in English and Hindi and then in Marathi. This, however, was refuted by Chopra.
