New Jackets Add Body Cameras, Device Pockets
Ticket checking on Mumbai’s trains is getting a technology upgrade – and it starts with a new jacket. Western Railway is piloting specially designed jackets for its ticket checking staff, combining dedicated storage for electronic equipment with integrated body camera technology. Ticket checking staff of Western Railway’s Mumbai Division will now have specially designed jackets that combine convenient equipment storage with integrated body camera technology. As part of a pilot initiative, 30 jackets have been procured and deployed for ticket checking personnel. The new design is aimed at making intensive checking duties more convenient by helping staff carry and use their electronic equipment in a more organised manner. (Instagram/@drmmumbaicentral)
Jackets Come With Dedicated Equipment Pockets: The jackets have dedicated pockets for hand-held terminals (HHTs), electronic fare machines (EFTs) and voice amplifiers, allowing staff to keep essential devices securely on them while on duty. A headset arrangement has also been incorporated into the design. This enables ticket checking personnel to access and operate their equipment without repeatedly having to hold the devices or place them elsewhere. By keeping the equipment within easy reach, the jacket is designed to leave staff’s hands free for other tasks during passenger checks. (Instagram/@drmmumbaicentral)
Body Camera Adds Transparency To Ticket Checks: One of the key features of the new jacket is its integrated body camera. The camera is intended to bring greater transparency and accountability to interactions between ticket checking staff and passengers. Recording interactions during duty can also provide a clearer record in case of disputes or incidents during ticket inspections. The addition of body camera technology marks a move towards more technology-enabled ticket checking, combining the traditional staff uniform with tools designed for modern railway operations. (Instagram/@drmmumbaicentral)
According to railway officials, the jackets are particularly suited to situations where ticket checking staff have to handle large passenger volumes while managing multiple devices. They are expected to be useful during Fortress Checks, AC local ticket checking drives, special checking campaigns and peak-hour duties. During such operations, staff can keep their HHTs, EFTs and voice amplifiers secured on the jacket while using the headset arrangement to operate the equipment. This is intended to make the checking process more efficient while allowing personnel to move more freely. (Instagram/@drmmumbaicentral)
Pilot To Assess Wider Deployment: The new jackets are also designed to improve comfort and organisation during extended duties. The initial deployment of 30 jackets will allow Western Railway’s Mumbai Division to assess their usefulness across different types of ticket checking operations. If the pilot proves successful, the railway may consider wider deployment of the jackets among ticket checking staff in the Mumbai Division. The initiative brings together practical workwear and technology, with the jacket designed to help staff carry their equipment more efficiently while the integrated body camera adds a new layer of transparency to passenger-facing ticket checks. (Instagram/@drmmumbaicentral)
