Central Railway has brought in new initiatives through Non Fare Revenue. These are benefitting passengers and also fetching revenue for Railways. Adding to its endeavour now, a Pod hotel is opened for passengers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai.
More details:
- The Pod hotel at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway station is being developed under the (NINFRIS) New Innovative Non Fare Revenue Income Scheme. It is opened to give more comfort, affordable and cheaper stay options to the Passengers at CSMT, Mumbai, located near the waiting room on the Main line of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway station.
- There are a total of 40 pods including 30 single pods, 6 double pods and 4 family pods. This classy air-conditioned accommodation Pod Hotel will provide full privacy, Mobile charging facility, Locker room facility, Fire alarm, Intercom, Deluxe toilet & bathroom etc. Booking of these Pods can be done through physical mode (at reception) and online mode via Mobile app.
The Sleeping Pods at CSMT which was opened on 01st July, 2022, is having a good response, Mr. Aman Sukhnandan, an IT Developer working in Uplers on his way from Bilaspur, Chhatisgarh on his transit to Goa occupied the sleeping Pod said, “This is wonderful facility opened by Railways, provides world class facilities at a cheaper rate and gave me a soothing comfort”.
- Central Railway had given the contract for development and operation of the sleeping pods to Namah Enterprises for a license fees of Rs. 10,07,786/- per annum for a period of five years and Railways will earn a revenue of Rs.55.68 lakh. Railway has just provided 131.61 sq mtrs of space to have all the modern facilities for a comfortable stay for the passengers who want to stay near the Terminus itself.
- Central Railway which achieved number one among all Zonal Railway in Non-Fare Revenue generation in the Financial Year 2021-22 has brought in new initiatives through NFR this year in first three months, i.e from April to June 2022 has earned Rs. 14.10 crores against Rs 1.89 crores during April to June 2021 showing an incredible increase of 646 %.
- Various non-fare revenue concepts like Hybrid OBHS contracts, Digilockers, Personal Care Centres, e-bikes, e-charging points, Content on Demand, Conversations on the Move etc. have been introduced to give more comfort to the passengers. Many more such initiatives under Non-Fare Revenue are being taken which will benefit the passengers and also fetch revenue for Railways. Similar initiative was launched by IRCTC at Mumbai Central, Western Railway last year.
Source: Central Railway -Press Release | Image Credit: MoR
