Satellite Imaging for Rail Navigation (SIMRAN)
	16:48 IST

Lok Sabha Indian Railways have sanctioned a pilot project namely Satellite Imaging for Rail Navigation (SIMRAN) for Real Time Passenger Information System. This project is being developed by utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS). This project is being carried out jointly by Research Designs & Standard Organization (RDSO), Lucknow and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. The pilot project is sanctioned for development for hardware and software for providing Real Time Train Running Information to the passengers. The objectives of Simran Project are:- • To develop technology for continuously tracking of every train for its location, speed and direction of movement. • To develop techniques to disseminate information on Real Time basis about train running to the passengers and the general public through display boards of stations, interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS), Short Message Service (SMS) and Internet. The hardware and Software technology under this project have been developed. Field trial for the project is being conducted since 25.5.2007. The objectives of this project have been achieved and verified through field trial. The following trains have been selected for field trial under this pilot project: • All the rakes of Rajdhani Expresses. • All the rakes of Shatabdi Express originating from New Delhi. • Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) running between Lucknow and Kanpur. As on 16.11.2007, 26 rakes of Rajdhani Express, 6 rakes of Shatabdi Express and 7 rakes of EMUs have been equipped with SIMRAN Train Equipment. These trains are being monitored through internet and SMS services. This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R.Velu in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today AKS/HK/CK/TR