Train station indicators show platform directions

One of the main problems (complaints) that (new) Mumbai suburban commuters often have is to know which side of the car the platform would be on. In a crowded train, knowing this can immensely help a commuter by informing the commuter well in advance which direction s/he should proceed. Too often, commuters new to Mumbai train travel / stations have to ask other commuters which side the platform would arrive. Although in most cases the sides on which the platforms appear are fixed, in certain cases the trains do arrive at platforms other than the ones they usually do. This sometimes results in a shift of the platform side. A sudden surge of people from one side to the other ensues, and this is a big hassle in a crowded train. Commuters hanging out the doorway are usually the ones to spot that the train is changing its tracks, and hence also notice the shift in platforms. They announce this to fellow commuters, who then head to the other door.

Some years ago the local rakes (especially the MRVC ones) have been fitted with a LED display that displays the next station as well as the final destination of the train. However, it was only recently that I noticed that these displays also show an arrow indicating the platform direction. I also double checked to make sure that these arrows are not present in all the indicators. It maybe a part of a trial or part of a new rollout.

Here are two photographs (sorry for the poor quality - mobile cam) from a recent train trip. Note that the indicator for Diva is on the left, whereas Kopar (a relatively new station) is on the right.

 

Hope this is installed in all the locals, and that it functions correctly.