Now check the location of your local at a click of a button

If you are a Mumbai commuter worried about the timely arrival of your local train here is some good news for you. The Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) has completed testing of a software that will allow people to check the actual position of any train on real time basis. The software is expected to go live this year.

The CRIS has developed this software called Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) that has been linked to the satellite. Sources said that they are collaborating with global companies to use their satellites; which would beam information about a particular train.

"The trials and tests for this RTIS has been successful till now. Decision of its implementation will be taken by the headquarters in Delhi," said Uday Bobate, General Manager, CRIS.

Once this system gets in place, a commuter say standing at Dadar or any station can actually feed in the train time displayed by the indicator and destination of that train to check its precise location. This way one can track the train on real time.

The motormen, drivers and guards of locals and long distance trains will be provided with a facility wherein on a press of a button they will be able to communicate in case of an emergency with Indian Railways and even commuters. When this information is uploaded on the software; everyone across the country can access update of train schedule. This can also be useful to the long distance passengers and end their long wait at the platforms. They can plan their schedule and leave to catch the train using the system.

This system is different than the existing National Train Enquiry System (NTES) which offers location of any long distance train as fed into the rail's system. However, sources said that this information is inaccurate as it is dependent on the person sitting at the control room to update it. Thus there are chances that delayed information of 15-20 minutes are relayed to the user.