RailTel to implement RDN project for Indian Railways

New Delhi: RailTel has taken up the execution of the mega project of passenger amenity for Indian Railways namely "Installation of Centralized, Networked & Smart Display screens referred as Railway Display Network (RDN) at foot-over bridges, platforms, waiting rooms and concourses at railway stations. RailTel has set the process in motion by recently floating a tender to select suitable RDN business associates for the purpose of installation of approximately 65,000 display screens at around 2000 stations (All A1, A, B, C & D category stations). It is targeted to be installed in the next two years after the award of the contract. The project will be implemented and managed by RailTel through selected RDN Business Associates over a period of 10 years which may be extended for another 5 years on mutually acceptable terms and conditions.

The information to be displayed on these large screens and video walls will include information related to train arrival, departure, train running status, platform, passenger amenities, passengers' security and safety, emergency messages on SOS basis and messages related to Disaster Management, infotainment and social messages for engaging passengers etc. The information can be audio/video/social media/live/recorded messages.

Indian Railways transports approximately 22 million passengers daily on its network from over seven thousand railway stations spread across the country. Hence, there is a significant opportunity for generating non-fare revenue for Indian Railways through the display of advertisements on these screens by utilizing huge footfalls at Railway stations. RDN is planned to be built and operated on a self-sustainable model with no capital investment by Indian Railways.

In addition, a mobile application will also be developed. The mobile app would complement the RDN and enhance the utility and benefits of RDN. Mobile application is expected to aid the passenger experience across the journey. Passengers will receive all railway-related information along with specific content to enhance their experience. Various ancillary support services pertaining to transportation, healthcare, hotels etc. may be offered through the mobile app to provide an all-encompassing experience.

Talking about it, RailTel Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Puneet Chawla said, "Integrated and comprehensive information related to all aspects of journey is a big passenger amenity for Rail travellers. RDN will meet this requirement in a big way.  The proposed RDN is expected to revolutionize the information for Railway users through the next generation centralized, connected display network at Railway stations. The proposed display network will be versatile i.e. any information source to any display device, show context awareness and give the relevant information to the Railway users from the most appropriate source. Moreover, it will provide an important opportunity for generating non-fare revenue through advertisements for Indian Railways. RailTel as a nodal agency will implement and manage the RDN system.

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