Free wi-fi facility in Maharashtra trains

wifi-in-indian-trainTelecom infrastructure provider RailTel plans to provide free hi-speed internet to passengers in premium long-distance trains of Maharashtra.

After 30 minutes usage, the browsing speed will be reduced on mainline and suburban trains. RailTel is looking at a public-private partnership (PPP) model to implement the project and has invited a request for proposal for the project.

“Provision of Wi-Fi in trains is being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). We aim to roll out the first such rakes, both electrical multiple units for Mumbai suburban and long-distance premium trains, by 2018,” a senior RailTel official said.

The Railway Ministry has also decided to revamp the Humsafar Express, which plies between Delhi and Gorakhpur. The train’s coaches will be equipped with coffee and tea machines, CCTVs and GPS-based passenger information system.

In addition to these initiatives, the Indian Railways is also planning to reduce its carbon footprint by accelerating electrification of tracks.Currently about 2000 km track is being electrified in a year and the aim is to reach 4000 km per year by 2017-18 and 6000 km in subsequent year.

In order too fast track the pace of electrification, Railways have joined hands with three PSUs – IRCON, RITES and PGCIL.

Railways expect to reduce fuel bill by Rs 10,000 cr annually through electrification of major routes. A new App for monitoring energy conservation scheme has also been launched.