Respecting public infra should come naturally to us

For now, these screens on WR trains will display only advertisements and railway/public interest information

To enhance commuter experience, the Railways has installed screens inside train compartments. These 24-inch screens will add a new, and hopefully enhanced commuting experience. Periodically, the Railways has implemented features, tweaks to keep up with the times and try to make travelling, so very challenging with Mumbai's crowds, a little safer, a little better.

We have witnessed that announcement quality at platforms and inside trains is improving. Yet, these new screens will add one more dimension, beaming messages for travellers, besides featuring advertisements, which brings in revenue for the Railways, and entertainment, too.

The biggest factor when things spiral out of control on platforms or inside trains is lack of communication. Confusion, no guidance and the absence of any clarity about what to do next is prime in several tragedies we witness, read about or unfortunately may even be part of. The desperate jumping on to tracks, the crime, the mad rush on the bridges, and problems inside the train compartments with rumours swirling are all part of this dangerous mix.

These screens will beam messages too, countering, we hope, confusion when problems arise and bringing clarity to situations inside the train.

Commuters must respect the new amenity and not damage it. Vandalism of screens must be met with strict punitive action and fines that pinch.

We have seen too many public infra facilities become fair game for anti-social elements. Shameful accounts of vandalism in new, long-distance trains are on social media.

This edit space had once highlighted that as the virus changed so many aspects of our lives, let us see more discipline in train travel, too. Fights and train tragedies should be a thing of the past. Let the Railways enhance our travel experience while we respect each service provided.