Inspired by comparable amenities seen in European train stations, Western Railway intends to build co-working areas at a few stations and terminals. Soon, while waiting for their trains at the stations, office workers will have the opportunity to work in a digital lounge. Western Railway is to launch a new experiment under the Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) scheme as part of its effort to improve Indian railway stations.
In 2025, Rs 1,000 crores would be set aside for passenger comforts, including plans to construct digital lounges for working people at major terminal stations, according to a top Western Railway official. The Railway Board will soon receive the proposal for these digital lounges.
In order to give passengers a nice place to unwind, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is installing premium lounges at significant terminus stations. These digital lounges will have air-conditioned, office-like spaces with Wi-Fi-enabled tables and amenities like laptop and smartphone charging ports.
There will also be tea and coffee available, which makes it the perfect place for anyone who wants to work away from loud places. Up to 40 individuals will be able to collaborate in each digital lounge thanks to its chairs. Officials from Western Railway have already begun to determine which stations would be suitable for the establishment of these lounges.
Public transport operators can make money from sources other than a set fare structure by using the non-fare revenue (NFR) model. NFR can be earned by operators in some ways, such as advertising, rent, telecom services, and more. The Digital Lounges offered by Western Railway will be incorporated into their non-fare revenue stream.
Source: The Free Press Journal
