Page 30 - Sattva_2025

Alternative to PIDS Concourse PIDS Displays

The Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) TFT screens, installed across Kochi
Metro stations in concourse areas, entry/exit points, and link bridges, play a crucial role

in relaying real-time train schedules, destination details, and operational updates to

passengers. However, after 7.5 years of continuous service, these displays have
surpassed their operational lifespan of 50,000 hours, leading to frequent malfunctions

and reliability issues. Since these specialized PIDS units are not manufactured in India,

procuring replacements involves high import costs, extended lead times, and logistical
challenges.

To address this issue, KMRL’s COM Team devised an innovative, cost-effective, and

locally sustainable alternative. By integrating a commercially available signage television

as the display panel and configuring a Bosch decoder unit as the central processing unit
(CPU), the team successfully developed a functional and budget-friendly substitute for

the aging PIDS displays. This in-house solution has already been implemented at Kaloor
(KLMT), Aluva (ALVA), and Palarivattom (PDPM) stations, where it is performing reliably

as a direct replacement for faulty units.

Old PIDS

New PIDS