Indian Railways Passenger Information Systems

Passenger Information Systems Provided by Indian Railways

• The Telecom department provides the systems detailed below for Indian Railways

Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS)

• Provides train running and Passenger Name Record (PNR) information
• Accessible via PSTN/Mobile Network through a centralized database
• Database maintained at CRIS or through NTES servers

Prerecorded Announcement and Auto Announcement System

• May be an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) or a standalone system
• Offers train running information to the public on PSTN Telephone
• Can function as an announcement system on platforms when interfaced with a public address (PA) system

Train Indicator

• Presents information on train arrival/departure timing and platform number via a display device
• Operated either locally at a station or fed from a central location
• Primarily located on platforms and at public utility locations

Coach Guidance System

• Indicates the placement of each coach relative to the engine
• Displays information about the train number and coach position

GPS Clock/Master Slave Clock

• Master Clock: A controlling clock in railway premises to maintain consistent timing across Slave Clocks
• Slave Clocks: Clocks in railway premises driven by the Master Clock
• GPS clocks: Function independently or as Master/Slave clocks
• A master clock: Can control all slave clocks either in the same building or via networking to remote sites

Provision of Passenger Amenities (Telecom) at Stations

• Requirements are based on guidelines issued by the Commercial Directorate

Integrated Passenger Information System (IPIS)

• Delivers train arrival/departure details and other video/image/alert information
• Uses various display types: Single Line, Multiline, True color indoor and outdoor, At a glance, coach guidance, and PC-based announcement systems
• Systems located at different station points and networked
• Operations controlled locally/remotely

IPIS Structure

• Auto Announcement System
• Train Indicator Boards: Multi Line, Single Line, At a glance, LED TV/monitor
• Coach Guidance Boards

IPIS Key Considerations

• Subsystems can be chosen according to station needs
• Data input: Via data entry operator, Enquiry cum Reservation Clerk, or Station Master
• Software: Displays component statuses and messages
• Platform PA announcements: Synchronized with display board information, the software should be user-friendly with a GUI, using minimal clicks for operator commands
• Software: Supports bilingual characters (English & Devnagari) and information in English, Hindi, and regional languages
• Train indication boards: Display train number, name, expected arrival/departure time, and platform number
• Software: Allows for timetable adjustments, changing or adding train details during timetable changes
• All software and licenses should be in the name of Railways, and only licensed software is used
• Coach guidance software: Must include preloaded coach composition data for all trains
• Operators: Update coach positions when a train is likely to arrive or depart
• Software: Acquires train running data from NTES/COIS or central server, which then displays on various screens
• Local operator: Has to cross-examine auto-derived information and correct before display
• Coach database: Provision to add new coach types
• Operators: Send announcements on train information (number, platform, arrival/departure) by entering details in defined conditions
• Voice files: Uniform annunciation style for hour, minute, and status
• Automatic announcement: Newly added trains are announced without updates unless train/station names require modification

Auto Announcement System Basics

• A PC/Server based system with a user-friendly GUI
• Announces messages related to train operations and safety

Auto Announcement System Characteristics

• Fixed audio messages: Stored in digital format and added to audio files in the PC/Server
• Repeated announcements: Can be made without affecting other operations
• Operator: Should have the option to stop announcements
• Software: User-friendly to facilitate additions and alterations by the Railway Engineer, without needing suppliers or a programmer
• Recording: Record files externally and attach through a user interface for new trains
• Appropriate internal folder: The application shall take care of placing the recorded file
• Automatic Operation: Any added train name or station shall automatically play
• The system: Shall have provision to select messages and language for announcement. The announcement shall be fluent and professional enough
• All voice recordings: Must be professionally recorded in a soundproof studio
• This system: Should cover key areas like the concourse, platforms, waiting rooms, etc.
• Specification: Speaker, microphone, acoustics, wiring, cabling, earthing, and safety precautions must meet RDSO standards

Train Indication Board (General)

• A display device that provides data on train arrival/departure timings and platform numbers
• Operates locally or is fed information from a central location
• Predominantly located on platforms and in public areas
• Multiline (multi & mono color) boards: For platform entrances, indicating multiple trains with additional video information and commercials
• Single line boards: For platforms, providing single/double-sided clear train information

Train Indication Board Types and Placements

• At-A-Glance Display Board (single/double-sided): Shows train indicators and coach layout in areas such as foot overbridges (FOBs) and platform entrances
• LED TV/Monitor displays: Used in enquiry offices, waiting rooms, VIP areas, and crew lobbies

Train Indication Board Characteristics

• Each display board to have a unique identification code, with the operational status displayed on a central monitoring screen
• Boards to display safety slogans/messages in rolling, flashing, or steady modes during accidents or derailments
• Designed so operators complete data entry with minimal steps
• Surge and lightning protection at 230V AC input/output to prevent damage to electronic components
• Constructed to withstand 25KV AC traction areas, with proper data cable shielding to prevent EMI and RFI
• 230V AC power supply earthed separately
• Electrical power supplied centrally
• Designed for easy maintenance and failure resistance

Operating Console (Central Data Controller)

• Placed in the announcement cabin or remote station locations
• Includes the necessary software for data input: train number, timetable, platform, expected arrival/departure
• The workstation and associated equipment should be installed in a secure manner so that only required equipment are accessible to the operator
• Provides wire housing within a 19” cabinet, accommodating all essential terminations and interfaces, with additional casing or conduit as needed

Cable Installation Guidelines

• Data and power cables laid over steel bridges or under platform sheds must be enclosed in separate DWC/HDPE/PVC pipes

Mounting and Wiring

• Boards hung from metallic platform/FOB roof structures
• Metallic hanging arrangement: Capable of bearing load, preventing dislocation, and resisting wind/vibration
• Display boards hung using G.I. angles connected to the roof with clamps and rigidly fixed to inner walls
• Data cables and power cables: Run through separate PVC/HDPE or DWC pipes, properly fitted with standard joints and boxes
• Data cable termination: Proper terminal strips or connectors
• Cables: Run through flexible corrugated pipes to improve aesthetics
• No loose wires: No exposed wires
• Check Signals: To ensure that display boards do not obstruct visibility

Coach Guidance System Overview

• Helps passengers locate their coach

At-a-Glance Display Board

Placement

• Display boards should be placed at station entries or in the lobby to indicate train and platform numbers
• On the platforms: indicators with details

Board Characteristics

• Display boards: Shall indicate the Train No., Platform No. arrival / departure time along with position of the coaches with respect to engine
• Auto-blanking feature: Ensuring turn off when no data signal
• Boards: Visible under all lighting conditions and weatherproof
• External Power Indicator: "ON" outside the board

Coach Guidance Boards

Overview

• Operated via PC workstation from remote or local control centers
• Protective Measures: Installation in industrial-grade metallic housings to avert dust entry, temperature increase

Coach Guidance Boards Installation

• Boards: To comply with typical layout and Railroad specifications
• Arrangement: Designed to prevent movement due to adverse weather or passing trains
• Elevated platform installations: Supported by 3-inch GI pipe shelters

IP-Based IPIS

• Based on IP technology
• For announcement of train information to passengers it includes a PC, LED displays, and coach guidance indicators

IP-Based IPIS Functional Characteristics

• All devices: IP-enabled for monitoring
• Remote Monitoring Server: Connected to Railnet for monitoring from anywhere on Indian Railways
• Communication: Optical Fiber for connecting display units and other IPIS devices

IP-Based IPIS Components

• Display: Smart monitors and TVs
• Functions: Central server with train data, voice clips, and automated display
• Operation: Automated information or Operator-selected details that get shown on LED boards or announced on PA systems

GPS/Master & Platform (Slave) Clocks General Information

• Used in Control Offices/Stations for synchronized timing

Requirements of the Master Clock

• Capacity: Drive numerous slave clocks in single or multiple locations
• Tech: Microprocessor and GPS-based
• Control: Controlled by GPS as time base
• Accuracy: Better than ± 5 seconds per week over the expected temperature
• Construction: Modern technology with solid-state plug-in components

Master Clock Requirements (Continued)

• Power: 230V AC, single phase, 50 Hz
• Display: LED or 7-segment display in 24-hour mode, for time even during power failure
• Adjustment: Rear-mounted switches to prevent accidental changes
• Immunity: Resistant to EMI noise and power spikes, with time displayed on both sides
• Data Transmission: Sends data to slave clocks via a conductor pair

Master Clock (Alternative Configuration)

• GPS Clock in control office operating as master clock
• GPS Limitations: A Master GPS clock is used instead of a slave where physical wiring is not possible.

Meeting Standards

• Adherence: It meets the Technical Specification of RDSO

Requirements for Digital Platform (Slave) Clock

• Connectivity: Master Clock operated Slave Clock receives continuous serial data over conductors
• Sync: When power is lost, the Slave Clock display will sync to the Master Clock upon restoration of power
• Electrical: Operates on 230 V AC, single phase, 50 Hz
• Installation: Mechanical arrangement at the site for optimal visibility on both sides
• Compliance: Adheres to RDSO specifications