Indian Railways today launched free Wi-Fi facility at eight suburban stations in the metropolis coupled with a host of other passenger amenities at various destinations
Indian Railways today launched free Wi-Fi facility at eight suburban stations in the metropolis coupled with a host of other passenger amenities at various destinations.
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Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu who inaugurated the broadband internet facility at eight major stations reaffirmed that his ministry was doing every bit to ease the commute and raise the bar of comfort for rail passengers.
Of the eight Wi-Fi powered stations, five, including Churchgate, Bandra, Bandra Terminus, Dadar (WR) and Khar Road, are on the Western Railway line, while the rest -- Kalyan, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Dadar (CR)-- are on Central Railway line.
The Wi-Fi services are being provided under 'RailWire', which has been designed to offer users the best and fastest internet experience to anyone who has a smartphone.
About 17 suburban stations in Mumbai have been chosen for installation of the Wi-Fi facility, which is being provided by RailTel at a speed of 1 gbps. While Mumbai Central is already Wi-Fi enabled, the work for providing Wi-Fi at eight more suburban stations is underway.
"This facility shall enable our railway passengers to remain connected, get railway related and other information online while waiting for the train," according to a Railway presentation at the inauguration event.
Among other passengers amenities, Prabhu dedicated the two new harbour line platforms (which are 270 metre long and can accommodate 12 coaches trains) constructed at Andheri station. He also inaugurated two new harbour platforms along with elevated deck and passenger amenities as well as booking offices at Goregaon station.
He inaugurated a foot overbridge at extreme north of Vasai station along with an escalator, a foot overbridge at north end of Nallasopara station and an escalator, new foot overbridges on Mumbai Division (CR) such as in Karjat, King Circle, Chembur, Shahad, Reay Road and Kasaiwada (Kurla). He also threw open an AC dormitory for ladies (20 beds) and gents (54 beds) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus built at an approximate cost of Rs one crore.
"We are very much aware about the fact where we have to improve and we are working hard towards it. So far as the problem of overcrowding is concerned, I have put forward a proposal to the state government to stagger the working hours to iron out the crowd in local trains. And I hope that we can have joint action with state government and come up with some concrete provision to deal with the overcrowding," Prabhu said.
Stating that he has travelled more than 1,500 kms in the last three to four days, Prabhu added that the works which were not done in last 15-20 years cannot be done in only 15-20 days.
"But with the active help of governments concerned, we are thriving hard to conquer upon the ailing issues of the railways, including seeking funds from World Bank and its allies," Prabhu added.
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