New Delhi: With a view to facilitate hassle-
free passenger boarding, Railways have decided to introduce a
slew of measures including setting up of executive lounges and
installation of escalators at 50 major railway stations.
Like airport lounge, the executive lounge, a first in
Railways, will have facilities like seating arrangement, food
and beverage, wheel chairs for senior citizens and the
handicapped.
"The executive lounges will come at stations like New
Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai and Bangalore to provide value added
service at a charge offering concierge services by trained
staff for pre-departure and post-arrival assistance to
passengers," a senior Railway Ministry official said.
The lounge will also have Wi-Fi facility, business centre
with fax, laptop facility, locker facility and washroom.
Railways have allocated Rs 1,102 crore for 2012-13 to
improve passengers amenities services.
"We will also be installing 321 escalators at important
stations to facilitate easy movement of passengers in the next
five years. The installation of 50 escalators will be
commissioned during this year," he said.
In order to improve the hygienic condition, Railways
plans to commission 6 more mechanised laundries to provide
clean bedsheets, pillow covers and towels during the train
journey. Currently, 12 mechanised laundries are functioning.
An approximate 2.5 lakh bedrolls are required daily for
trains in the country.
"With the operationalisation of mechanised laundries, it
will be easier for Railways to provide clean and steam washed
bedrolls to passengers," the official said.
PTI
