IRCTC POD Stays: Indian Railways to soon offer compact rooms at Mumbai station

The division of the Indian Railways is working with M/s Urban Pod Pvt Ltd, Mumbai to offer the unique concept of hospitality service in the country. This could be the first time when IRCTC will start offering Pod stays in India. 

Pod stays are basically capsule hotels that offer small-sized rooms that are as big as the bed inside them. Travellers on a tight budget book usually book pod stays for overnight accommodations. The unique hospitality concept was first pioneered in Japan.

To be honest, passengers don’t really expect much from pod stays that are priced aggressively to offer budget yet comfortable stays to passengers. The pods are designed in such a way to provide a comfortable overnight sleep to travellers. However, passengers can expect basic facilities such as free Wi-Fi, shared toilets, showroom rooms, television, mirror, air conditioner, charging slots and more.

IRCTC will offer pods in three categories - Classic Pods, Ladies Only, Private Pods and Pods for differently-abled. In total, the state-owned firm is planning to offer 48 pods to passengers.

Passengers travelling solo can book one of the 30 Classic Pods depending on the availability. Solo female travellers can book one of the seven Ladies only pods. For couples, IRCTC will provide a total of 10 private pods. Moreover, the differently-abled pod will provide disabled passengers with space enough for the free movement of a wheelchair.