New Delhi: Passenger amenities stood out in the maiden Rail Budget of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Presenting the Rail Budget, Union railway minister Sadananda Gowda announced a slew of measures to improve passenger amenities, which ranged from better facilities at stations to improved catering.
In a bid to cater to the needs of frequent business travellers, Mr Gowda announced a pilot project to introduce “office-on -wheels” under which work-stations would be made available to passengers at a price.
The Budget mentioned that Wi-fi services would be made available at A1 and A2 category stations and select trains. Passengers would also get mobile-based wake-up call and destination arrival alerts. The minister added that provisions would be made for purchase of platform and unreserved tickets through the internet.
Taking on the prominent complaints regarding lack of hygiene at railway stations, Mr Gowda announced 40 per cent more allocation for cleanliness, while proposing to outsource cleaning works at 50 major stations to private entities. He also said that CCTV cameras would be used to keep a watch on the status of cleanliness at stations, besides introducing the system of third party inspection.
The minister announced a proposal to set up RO drinking water units in trains and stations on an experimental basis as well. The minister also said that the service of the battery operated carts would be extended to facilitate differently abled and senior citizens to reach any platform at all major stations.
He also announced a proposal for parking-cum-platform tickets, which could also be booked online. “The Railways also propose to set up food courts at major stations to provide the option of ordering regional cuisine while onboard through e-mails, SMS.
A pilot project will be started soon between New Delhi-Amritsar and New Delhi-Jammu Tavi sections,” said Mr Gowda. He also said that online booking of retiring rooms will be extended to all the major stations and that an earnest attempt would be made this year to ensure sufficient water supply, platform shelters and toilets at stations.
