The Central Railway's (CR) augmented reality 'Magic Mirror' at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the first of its kind to engage travellers, was officialy commissioned on Tuesday. The service, displaying a digitised train time table with dedicated scrolling screen, railway information, social awareness messages and infotainment is totally free for passengers.
Anil Kumar Lahoti, general manager of CR inspected the functioning of the Magic Mirror and said similar type of facilities will be developed at another stations along the CR network based on the response from commuters at CSMT. The contract for this innovative project was awarded to Timeslider Tourism for a five year period and the venture will earn CR Rs 50,00,000 in revenue.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. It creates an augmented world around the user’s device to create a virtual experience.
What is Magic Mirror?
Magic Mirror uses AR technology to create a virtual world on screen around the person standing in front of the screen. It could be the characters as well as the surroundings. The content will change every month depending upon the occasions to keep commuters engaged.
Passengers speak
“I am really surprised to see this type of a facility at an Indian railway station. It's a very good initiative. The railways need to start this at other stations too,” said Dr Hitesh Rathod, 48, professor at a Gondia-based collage.
“I am here to board the Nandigram express but my 6-year-old daughter Radhika is still insisting to spend a few more time at CSMT because it's the first time she is experiencing this type of joy,” said Hemnat Chokasy, 36, a Nasik-based video editor.
“It's very entertaining and keeps passengers engaged,” said Nagpur resident Punit Rundhe, 27, who was in Mumbai for a job interview.
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