There is some good news for those travelling by train. The Western Railway is planning to put up LCDs on the Karnavati Express under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The pilot project will be initiated in five AC chair coaches of the train where advertisers will place nearly 28 LCD screens at pre-decided locations. The coaches will also have Wi-Fi enabled Internet connectivity onboard.

Once successful, the model will be replicated in other trains as well.

Western Railway had earlier announced that it will install LCDs in local trains in Mumbai. This was to make people aware about what is happening around the world.

The system will consist of individual LCD screens with individual headphones using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology. The system will be introduced by providing individual LCD screens or hand-held devices. This is part of the IT upgradation plan of Indian Railways. The hand-held computer system, which is being run in a few Shatabdi Express trains on a pilot basis, is expected to be replicated in other trains.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Vadodara, D K Chachondia, said: “The project for putting up LCDs is very much in the process. But I cannot give more details, as the Mumbai region is handling the project. They will maintain it.”