Indian Railways in the Modi government has been bringing some major changes and reforms for the betterment of the passengers from the past couple of years. From making Indian rails to use solar panels as energy sources to Indian Railways collaborating with Japan for modernizing over 400 railways stations in the country, from developing a railway university in Gujarat to making Google launch free Wi-Fi service at various railway stations, from allowing passengers to cancel the tickets by just dialing 139, to now starting a radio service at almost 100 railway stations in the country, Railway Ministry has undoubtedly turned the tables in the nation.
The new radio service has been started or providing on board infotainment (information + entertainment) for the passengers who travel through Indian Rails. The passengers will also be informed about any emergency, requirement, lost/found, train related information, and alerts along with popular songs and music. Besides, astrology, trivia and general jokes, the radio will also tell about the history and the important activities of the Indian Railway to spread the word and disseminate the general info about Indian Railways.
This facility in the first phase will be started on 1000 express and mail trains including premier service. The PA (Public Address) system was proposed by the current Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in the 2016-17 railway budgets. So far so, only Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains are equipped with PA system.
According to the plan that has been laid out, several studios will be set up at Railway Board and all zonal headquarters respectively to operational the Rail Radio service.
A senior Railway Ministry official said, “We are in the process of finalizing arrangements with a few leading FM radio stations to provide entertainment as well as information to passengers onboard about 1000 Mail and Express trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto. Once Rail Radio service is operationalised, all these premier trains will be linked with the system.”
He added, “Rail Radio service will be helpful during emergency situations like accidents or a natural calamity. It will be easier to reach out to passengers during emergency through PA system from the headquarters. There will be a slot for educating and creating awareness among passengers on disaster management.”
Apart from these, the Railway department, keeping in mind the passenger comfort, has also initiated services like ergonomic seating, water level indicators, easily accessible dustbins in coaches, improved aesthetics etc. The department said such services will be soon introduced.
Indian Railways is certainly turning to a better track.
