Based on a survey conducted for Chennai Division in 2016, cross-sectoral services from Thiruvallur-Avadi and Gummidipoondi to Velachery section were introduced. A senior official of Chennai Division said that among the other commuter facilities introduced or proposed in addition to the cross-operation of services are Global Positioning System (GPS)-based Passenger Information System with visual and audio announcement, augmentation of coaches on the Chennai-Thiruvallur section, and forming of third and fourth lines on the Chennai Beach-Tiruvottiyur section.
The official said the GPS-based passenger information system provides advance information regarding the stations ahead similar to the Metro. He said: “At present, the GPS-based system is available in 60 out of the 73 rakes plying in the Chennai suburban sections. Very soon, all the rakes will be installed with the information system.” These upgraded suburban coaches will be introduced by next year.
The railway official said more than 200 Electrical Multiple Unit rakes with state-of-the-art, three-phase Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)-based propulsion systems have been introduced in Mumbai. In the coming months, these efficient and reliable coaches will gradually replace the old rakes in Chennai too.
