Metro stations to have digital pods for information

NEW DELHI - The Delhi Metro will install interactive digital pods at 28 stations to provide detailed information to commuters about its network, stations, train timings, fare structure and major tourist destinations in the capital.

Initially, 60 pods will be installed at selected stations on Dilshad Garden-Rithala, Jahangirpuri-HUDA City Centre and Dwarka Sector 21-NOIDA City Centre lines.

Pods will be installed at stations like Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Dilshad Garden, Shahdara, Vishwavidyalaya and Barakhamba Road.

While the Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate stations will have four pods each, all the other stations will have two.

“Eight pods in all have already been installed at the Barakhamba Road, Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate and Vishwavidyalaya Metro stations so far,” a Delhi Metro official said.

“These pods are currently undergoing trial and software checks and will be operational within a month. Installation of such pods at other stations is in progress,” the official added.

In future, the pods will also provide accessibility to the Indian Railways, major airline companies and Google Earth map portals.

“It is also proposed to equip these pods with the Bluetooth facility to ensure that all the downloadable information available in the pods is easily transferred to mobile phones,” the official said.

The pods will be internally networked and the provision of flashing instant public information messages on them will be there.

This facility will help the Delhi Metro in providing any emergency information regarding the running of trains to the commuters.

The size of the pods will vary from 42 inches to 62 inches, depending on the availability of space at the stations.