Mumbai Local Train Services: Central Railway To Roll Out IP-Based TMS For Accurate Train Timings By January

Since 2002, Western Railway has been using the Train Information System (TMS) to display the expected arrival times of local trains on platforms. This system, implemented between Churchgate and Virar, uses IP-based technology to provide accurate real-time updates based on data from the EBSET track device. Passengers can rely on this information to know exactly when their local trains will arrive.

However, passengers travelling on the Central Railway are still waiting for the system to be introduced on their platforms. Central Railway did set up its own TMS in 2008, but it did not install the updated IP technology required to show precise arrival times. Although Central Railway announced plans to implement this system last year, it has not yet been rolled out.

Now, Central Railway has issued tenders for the installation of the IP-based system, as per a Lokmat report. The railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Neela, confirmed in the same report that efforts are being made to introduce this technology by the end of January 2025. Despite these efforts, passengers are uncertain whether the system will be fully implemented in such a short time, especially considering the vast scale of the project. The system needs to be set up across 92 platforms in the Mumbai division, raising doubts among commuters.

Passengers on Central Railway have been calling for the introduction of this system as soon as possible, as they continue to rely on vague announcements rather than specific arrival times for local trains. With the growing demand, it remains to be seen if Central Railway can meet its target to ensure timely updates for commuters.