IT Enabled Passenger Services Launched by Indian Railways
IT Enabled Passenger Services
Launched by Indian Railways
Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu Launched these Services Through Video Conferencing from New Delhi
Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu Launched these Services Through Video Conferencing from New Delhi
The Railway Minister Shri
Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu launched following IT enabled passenger services
through video conferencing from New Delhi:
1. Paperless
Unreserved Ticketing through Mobile Phones on suburban stations over Central
Railway
2. Paperless
Platforms tickets at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dadar Central, Panvel, Thane
and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Andheri, Mumbai Central, Borivali, Dadar Western,
Dadar Central, Vasai Road, Bandra, New Delhi and Nizamudding stations on
Northern Railway, Western Railway and Central Railway
3. Paperless
Season tickets on suburban sections of Western Railway, Central Railway and New
Delhi-Palwal Section of Northern Railway.
4. Currency,
Coin - cum - Card operated Automatic Ticket Vending Machines at various
suburban stations on Central Railway and Western Railway.
5. Train
Enquiry Mobile Application on iOS platform.
On this occasion ,Chairman Railway Board,
Shri AK Mital and other Board Members, Additional Member(C&IS) Shri
Mohd. Jamshed, MD CRIS Ms Vandana Nanda were among those
present at the programme.
Speaking on the occasion , Minister Of
Railways Shri Suresh Prabhu said “Moving ahead in the direction of
making Digital India, today, I am happy to inaugurate the System for Paperless
Unreserved Tickets, Paperless Season Tickets and Paperless Platform Tickets
through Mobile Phones, in the Mumbai Suburban system of WR and CR and Delhi –
Palwal section of Northern Railway from today.
About 50 Currency-cum-coin-cum-card Ticket Vending Machines (CoTVMs) are
now functional over various stations.
I am also happy to inaugurate the Currency and Coin Operated Ticket Vending
Machines (CoTVMs), being installed at various stations of Central and Western
Railway. All these initiatives were promised in my Budget Speech this
year.
Another initiative that is being launched today is the Train Enquiry Mobile
App on the iOS that is Apple platform. This app has been working very well on
the Android and Windows based mobile phones and now will give good facilities for Apple phone users also.
The paperless Unreserved Ticketing System is a boon for passengers
traveling in suburban areas, since it will drastically reduce the time a
passenger takes at the station, waiting in queue to buy a ticket. It will
enable “Mission 5 minutes” (not more than 5 minutes to buy a ticket) to become
a reality. Railways will also benefit from this innovation because they will be
able to cope with higher ticket sales with lower investments.
.
The Paperless Ticketing service is already running in some sections of
Mumbai Western Railway and Delhi. With the latest launch, this service
will be available across all of Mumbai’s suburban sections on both Central and
Western Railways. This system is based on the “UTS on Mobile” app, which has a
“Railway Wallet” feature. While this system has been introduced to increase
passenger convenience, a few safeguards have been built-in to prevent misuse of
the tickets. Firstly, the tickets cannot be forwarded from one phone to
another. Second, one cannot buy the ticket after starting one’s journey. A
system of distinct daily colour codes, embedded QR codes, and sync feature has
been devised to ease the work of the ticket examiners, while providing
unparalleled convenience to the users.
A very useful feature added today is that of buying Paperless Season
Tickets and Paperless Platform Tickets through the Mobile App. The Paperless
Season Ticket feature will be particularly useful for the suburban passengers,
large numbers of whom travel on Season Tickets.
Another
innovative system being introduced for Mumbai suburban section of Western
Railway and Central Railway is the Cash/Smart Card operated Ticket Vending Machine (CoTVM), which is a self-service kiosk
for passengers to buy their own unreserved tickets. It has a user-friendly
graphical interface that can be used by all passengers. The machine takes
currency notes and coins in addition to smart cards for payment. This will save
the passengers’ precious time, and will ease the pressure on the Railway
administration as well, enabling them to give better service to the passengers.
Again, security features”
Procedure for booking of Paperless Unreserved Journey
tickets, Season tickets and Platform tickets.
Download the Mobile application from Google Play Store or
Windows Store.
· Register
by providing Mobile Number, Name, City, Train Type, Class, Ticket Type, Number
of Passengers and Frequently travel routes.
· Payment
has to be made using R-Wallet. Upon successful registration, R-Wallet
will be opened with Zero Balance.
· Value
can be topped up in R-Wallet by tendering cash across the nominated counter and
also online on website “utsonmobile.indianrail.gov.in”.
· Passenger
can book single Journey ticket, Platform ticket as well as season tickets by
choosing appropriate option in the App.
· The
Smart Phone should be GPS enabled to book single journey ticket and Platform
ticket.
Functioning Of
CoTVM
Cash/Smart card operated
ticket vending machine (CoTVM) is a self-operated kiosk, which can be used by
passengers to buy unreserved tickets through currency/coins/smart cards and to
recharge smart cards. These kiosks have easy graphical interface for ticket
transaction so that the user can operate these machines themselves. The kiosk
accepts currency/coin of all glued/taped/coloured notes and accepts
currency notes of Gandhi series. CoTVMs will reduce queue lengths at existing
ticket counters by providing an alternate unmanned ticketing solution and mode
of payment.
CoTVMs have the following functions.
1.
Issue of non-concessional second class journey tickets for non-suburban section
and second/first class journey/return tickets for suburban section.
2. Issue of platform
tickets.
3. Renewal of
non-concessional season tickets.
4.
Recharge of smart cards in denominations of Rs. 20/-, Rs. 50/-, Rs. 100/- and
Rs. 500/-.
CoTVM consists of:
1. Thin Client
2. Thermal Printer
3. Touch screen
4. RFID reader
5. Cash Validator
with 15 notes escrow
6. Coin Validator
with 10 coins escrow
7. The cash box has
the capacity to hold 25,000 notes and 3,000 coins.
The basic difference between
automatic ticket vending machine (ATVM) installed upto now and CoTVM is that
ATVM can issue tickets through smart cards only whereas CoTVM can issue tickets
using cash (notes & coins) and smart cards. It can also be used for recharging
these smart cards.
Security of CoTVM
The machine has two access
doors, both at the front side of the machine and is equipped with mechanical
& electronic locks. One door is used for maintenance activity by the
service engineer. The second door is for accessing the cash box and is
integrated with an alarm system. The alarm will go off whenever the door is
opened by any unauthorized person. The machine has a cash box with electro
mechanical lock at the bottom. Whenever the authorized supervisor wants to open
the cash box to takeout shift cash, he/she will gain access to the machine by
using a supervisory smart card and his password. After entering the password,
machine will print the Daily Trains Cash-cum-Summary Book (DTC) for accountal
of the collected cash.
Commissioning of CoTVM
On 01.09.2015, 6 CoTVMs were
inaugurated at New Delhi of Northern Railway and 08 CoTVMs at Sealdah & Howrah
stations of Eastern Railway. So far, total 48 CoTVMs have been commissioned
over Northern Railway and Eastern Railway.
Train Enquiry Mobile
Application on iOS platform
Centre for Railway Information
System (CRIS), the IT arm of Indian Railways, has enhanced the train enquiry
system by developing mobile apps. Mobile app for Windows 8 and Android were
launched earlier and are widely used by rail passengers. Now one more step
ahead, mobile app for iOS platform has also been developed and ready for
launch. It has now become easier for the rail passengers to track information
on expected arrival and departure timings of a particular train and other
information.
National Train Enquiry System
(NTES) is the base system which provides information to public about train
running on near real time through various interfaces like nationwide unique
rail enquiry number 139, website (www.trainenquiry.com),
mobile interfaces, Touch Screens, Face to Face enquiry and Display Boards at
stations.
One of the best features of
the app is ‘spot your train’ which provides information such as its current
position, expected time of arrival and departure at a particular station. Other
features are ‘train schedule’, ‘train between station’, ‘live station’,
‘information on cancelled, rescheduled & diverted trains’. ‘Live Station’
query provides list of trains expected to arrive at/depart from any station in next
2 or 4 hours.
Thus, CRIS has made available
train enquiry app for three most commonly used mobile platforms viz. Windows,
Android and iOS.
The NTES app is available as a
free download from App store.
****************
International Technical
Conference on “Rail Coach Interiors: Innovation, Safety, Comfort” Inaugurated
An international
technical conference on “Rail Coach Interiors: Innovation, Safety, Comfort” was
inaugurated here today at New Delhi by Minister of Railways Shri Suresh
Prabhakar Prabhu. The Conference has been organised by Institute of Rolling
Stock Engineers” (IRSE) and “Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineers
Association” (IRSMEA) with guidance and support from Indian Railways and
Railway PSU RITES,. Delegates from China, Japan, Italy, Spain, Austria,
England, Germany, France and Australia are among those attending the
conference.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that Indian Railway carries nearly 23 million passengers everyday in its fleeting nearly 60,000 coaches serving all sections of society and continue to be an uniting force of this vast nation. A passenger/ customer leads the longest time in a coach during his travel. His experiences in coach create the overall image/ impression of Indian Railways and coach interiors play the most important role in it. The expectations of passengers continue to grow for better services with economic growth of country. Moreover to keep pace with international developments, we must continuously upgrade our coach interiors.
Shri Suresh Prabhu said that the efforts have to be made by IR to make rail journey more comfortable and safe. The coaches and its system should be more passenger friendly to enhance the overall travel experience. Now the environment is a great concern hence the interior design of the coaches should be more energy efficient, light weight, eco-friendly and sustainable.
Shri Suresh Prabhu said that the design has to keep three factors in mind namely convenience, comfort and unique needs. The Railway Minister said that he has already given instructions to provide charging point in general coaches. Moreover, dustbins also to be made available in all coaches. He said that Railways have also embarked upon project of installing bio-toilet which has given good results. However, we may have to still continue to work for any other better solution which uses less water and is further cost effective. The coach designs should also take into account safety aspects and should be resistant to accidents.
He said that In Railway Budget for 2015-16 many new initiatives in this direction have been incorporated. An MOU has been signed with National Institute of Design (NID) to assist IR in evolving a user friendly design of coach interiors and also the stations. Similarly an MOU has been entered with NIFT to suggest improvements in linen supplied to passengers.
The Minister pointed out that the idea is to tap the design expertise available outside railways in India or abroad to supplement the in-house capabilities available with RDSO or Production Units.
He said that on board experience which also include issues like cleanliness, food i.e. entire gamut of on board service need to be addressed in the most effective manner. He also said that the Railways has also undertaken the Mega scheme of redevelopment of all 400 modern railway station on PPP modal. It will really change the face of Indian Railway.
The Minister hoped that deliberations at the Conference will help in developing designs which will make the coaches aesthetically pleasing, convenient for use and provide more comfortable, hygienic and safe travel to our passengers. Capacity enhancement by optimum use of space in the coaches should also be focused.
Shri Suresh Prabhu expressed confidence that the experts, who are participating in the Conference, will find the right mix of appropriate technologies and innovative ideas which are suitable for Indian Railway coaches and its customers. He called upon the experts to do not only academic discussion but also prepare an implementable action plan so that it becomes the starting point.
The Railway Minister released a souvenir on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital said that Indian Railway is truly a national carrier by its sheer size and volume of traffic. It carries nearly 23 million passengers everyday. We started with IRS coaches, then ICF coaches and now the LHB coaches to meet the rising expectations of passengers.Coach interiors are very important in projecting the image of Indian Railway as the passengers spend a long time in the coach while travelling. Hence, improving the interiors of coaches to provide greater comforts and safety to passengers is an important mission of Indian Railways. Passengers expect a neat and hygienic environment, good working fittings and amenities and their safety and security while travelling in train. Indian Railways has been trying to fulfill their expectations by time to time upgrading the designs of coaches.
Member Mechanical, Railway Board, Shri Hemant Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
The Conference is concentrating upon the efforts to be made by Indian Railway to make rail journey more comfortable and safe. The purpose of the conference is to make the coaches and its system more passenger friendly to enhance the overall travel experience of the passengers. Keeping the environmental concerns in mind, It has been decided that the interior design of the coaches must be more energy efficient, light weight, eco-friendly and sustainable. The coaches should be designed in a way that their cleaning becomes easy and no sharp, hidden corners for dirt, pests and cockroaches for example be there. Indian Railways is committed to extend benefits of latest technologies at affordable cost to its passengers.
Nearly 500 delegates from Railways & Industry and other organizations spread across nine countries are also participating in the Conference. The Conference, attended by experts world over, is expected to improve understanding of Railway engineers and administrators regarding latest trends and technologies and “Make-in-India” programme a success as well as help reach informed decisions. Rail industry in India will also get valuable exposure through this Conference.
BACKGROUNDER
Indian Railways have a total fleet of 62000 coaches (approx.) running in around 12600 trains and carries over 25 million passengers daily. To meet growing expectations of the passengers for comfort and safety, there is need to upgrade interiors of Indian Railway (IR) coaches for better comfort and safety through use of innovative materials and designs. Majority fleet on Indian Railway coaches is non-air-conditioned which poses different challenges in their interior designs. These coaches traverse the length and breadth of the country with varying climatic conditions. This requires adaptation of proven products and technologies under IR operating conditions. New ideas and concepts also need to be tried out.
Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is the R & D arm of Indian Railways located at Lucknow is responsible for R and D works in all railway related disciplines and leads the process of technology induction. Working directly under Ministry of Railways, it is also responsible for standardization of all railway systems on Indian Railways.
RITES Ltd. is a Government of India Enterprise under the aegis of Indian Railways. An ISO 9001-2008 company, RITES is a multi-disciplinary consultancy organization in the field of transport, infrastructure and related technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that Indian Railway carries nearly 23 million passengers everyday in its fleeting nearly 60,000 coaches serving all sections of society and continue to be an uniting force of this vast nation. A passenger/ customer leads the longest time in a coach during his travel. His experiences in coach create the overall image/ impression of Indian Railways and coach interiors play the most important role in it. The expectations of passengers continue to grow for better services with economic growth of country. Moreover to keep pace with international developments, we must continuously upgrade our coach interiors.
Shri Suresh Prabhu said that the efforts have to be made by IR to make rail journey more comfortable and safe. The coaches and its system should be more passenger friendly to enhance the overall travel experience. Now the environment is a great concern hence the interior design of the coaches should be more energy efficient, light weight, eco-friendly and sustainable.
Shri Suresh Prabhu said that the design has to keep three factors in mind namely convenience, comfort and unique needs. The Railway Minister said that he has already given instructions to provide charging point in general coaches. Moreover, dustbins also to be made available in all coaches. He said that Railways have also embarked upon project of installing bio-toilet which has given good results. However, we may have to still continue to work for any other better solution which uses less water and is further cost effective. The coach designs should also take into account safety aspects and should be resistant to accidents.
He said that In Railway Budget for 2015-16 many new initiatives in this direction have been incorporated. An MOU has been signed with National Institute of Design (NID) to assist IR in evolving a user friendly design of coach interiors and also the stations. Similarly an MOU has been entered with NIFT to suggest improvements in linen supplied to passengers.
The Minister pointed out that the idea is to tap the design expertise available outside railways in India or abroad to supplement the in-house capabilities available with RDSO or Production Units.
He said that on board experience which also include issues like cleanliness, food i.e. entire gamut of on board service need to be addressed in the most effective manner. He also said that the Railways has also undertaken the Mega scheme of redevelopment of all 400 modern railway station on PPP modal. It will really change the face of Indian Railway.
The Minister hoped that deliberations at the Conference will help in developing designs which will make the coaches aesthetically pleasing, convenient for use and provide more comfortable, hygienic and safe travel to our passengers. Capacity enhancement by optimum use of space in the coaches should also be focused.
Shri Suresh Prabhu expressed confidence that the experts, who are participating in the Conference, will find the right mix of appropriate technologies and innovative ideas which are suitable for Indian Railway coaches and its customers. He called upon the experts to do not only academic discussion but also prepare an implementable action plan so that it becomes the starting point.
The Railway Minister released a souvenir on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital said that Indian Railway is truly a national carrier by its sheer size and volume of traffic. It carries nearly 23 million passengers everyday. We started with IRS coaches, then ICF coaches and now the LHB coaches to meet the rising expectations of passengers.Coach interiors are very important in projecting the image of Indian Railway as the passengers spend a long time in the coach while travelling. Hence, improving the interiors of coaches to provide greater comforts and safety to passengers is an important mission of Indian Railways. Passengers expect a neat and hygienic environment, good working fittings and amenities and their safety and security while travelling in train. Indian Railways has been trying to fulfill their expectations by time to time upgrading the designs of coaches.
Member Mechanical, Railway Board, Shri Hemant Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
The Conference is concentrating upon the efforts to be made by Indian Railway to make rail journey more comfortable and safe. The purpose of the conference is to make the coaches and its system more passenger friendly to enhance the overall travel experience of the passengers. Keeping the environmental concerns in mind, It has been decided that the interior design of the coaches must be more energy efficient, light weight, eco-friendly and sustainable. The coaches should be designed in a way that their cleaning becomes easy and no sharp, hidden corners for dirt, pests and cockroaches for example be there. Indian Railways is committed to extend benefits of latest technologies at affordable cost to its passengers.
Nearly 500 delegates from Railways & Industry and other organizations spread across nine countries are also participating in the Conference. The Conference, attended by experts world over, is expected to improve understanding of Railway engineers and administrators regarding latest trends and technologies and “Make-in-India” programme a success as well as help reach informed decisions. Rail industry in India will also get valuable exposure through this Conference.
BACKGROUNDER
Indian Railways have a total fleet of 62000 coaches (approx.) running in around 12600 trains and carries over 25 million passengers daily. To meet growing expectations of the passengers for comfort and safety, there is need to upgrade interiors of Indian Railway (IR) coaches for better comfort and safety through use of innovative materials and designs. Majority fleet on Indian Railway coaches is non-air-conditioned which poses different challenges in their interior designs. These coaches traverse the length and breadth of the country with varying climatic conditions. This requires adaptation of proven products and technologies under IR operating conditions. New ideas and concepts also need to be tried out.
Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is the R & D arm of Indian Railways located at Lucknow is responsible for R and D works in all railway related disciplines and leads the process of technology induction. Working directly under Ministry of Railways, it is also responsible for standardization of all railway systems on Indian Railways.
RITES Ltd. is a Government of India Enterprise under the aegis of Indian Railways. An ISO 9001-2008 company, RITES is a multi-disciplinary consultancy organization in the field of transport, infrastructure and related technologies.
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