When the virus-induced pandemic slowed down its operations, the Central Railway (CR) turned the disadvantage into an opportunity by revamping its announcement system. The CR replaced its outdated technology with an internet-based network with each user now getting an IP address in addition to boosting announcement flow at all stations, a report in this newspaper said.

Station announcements are crucial in Mumbai where local trains have been a lifeline. There are 118 suburban stations on the Western Railway and Central Railway, which includes the main and harbour lines.