Automatic charting for train berths; no more fraud practices

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Putting a stop to the nationwide fraud practices of allotting vacant seats to those on the waiting list, an automatic charting system has been introduced in 70% of the trains running through the state.

The automatic charting system was developed with the help of ISRO and in the first phase, it has been included in 70% of the trains running through the state including long-distance trains such as Kerala Express and Chennai Mail. This is now introduced in 2,700 trains.

In the second phase, 6000 trains will be connected with the automatic charting system.

Charting is the practice of allotting berths to travelers, on a priority basis, before the train begins its journey. There was widespread criticism that corruption was rampant in this allocation. However, with the arrival of the automatic charting system, the allocation will be done by the computer on a standard basis without favoring anyone. The railway claims that this will eradicate corruption in the allocation of berths.

In addition, the Railways have introduced the automatic information system which will give live information to travelers about the trains that are on the move. The information will be updated every 30 seconds, thanks to ISRO.