When I sat down to write about SIMRAN, I was thinking how well i could relate to this topic! Here’s how well: My morning train usually gets delayed by 3 or so hours which I have to catch on my way back college from my hometown. Last time I travelled, I didn’t want to leave my cozy bed to wait at the station for a delayed train in the least but couldn’t help it as during the odd hours of the morning as no one picks up the phone at Railway enquiry counters. The railway officials are too busy snoring on their comfy chairs.
This is a problem which happens with most of us. Time immemorial, technology has played a significant role in our lives and has contributed towards the betterment of mankind solving its enormous problems. I guess the same thought has struck the mind of the officials of Government of India who now are on the path of launching a new satellite-based technology which would track the exact location of trains by capturing their images and hence telling the commuters whether they could board the train on time or not. This project is called Baby Simran.
What is SIMRAN?
Said to be a Rs.100 crore project, it is based on the principle of Global Positioning System (GPS) and radio frequency and is going to be launched soon. All you have to do is dial a number or SMS and you would be informed about the exact location of the train. Indian railways plans to launch this project known as Baby Simran which stands for Satellite Imaging Rail Navigation (Simran) in Rajdhani express trains.
Here’s what a Railway official was quoted saying:
“The Research Designs and Standards Organisation and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) have been working on the project, which will be launched soon. Four trains would initially be installed with Global Positioning System equipment.
The 100 crore project involves GPS navigation and radio frequency, with digital mapping of stations. Through this, a passenger will be able to know the exact location of his train, henceforth making him plan beforehand.
I just can’t wait for SIMRAN to open for public use. I’d get a better sleep this time around. It’d definitely help all of us to know when we have to leave for the station. Here I’d like to mention Pyka, an Indian startup which is also helping Railway passengers a lot. By sending an SMS to Pyka’s number, you can assign the station where you wish to alight from the train. Pyka will call you 20 minutes before you are about to reach your destination.