In the past few years, the Indian Railways has been criticised for its poor services, delayed electrification process, unhygienic catering services, and unclean toilets and blankets. So, the Railways is all set to focus on its development for boosting growth and ensuring customer satisfaction. Indian Railways has recently introduced several new trains that are equipped with new-age facilities.
Here are a few changes made by the Indian Railways that will give the travellers a different experience:
Makeover For Indian Railways
To give trains a new look, Railways has decided to invite bids for advertisements that will be wrapped around 35,000 coaches in 10,000 trains. This step will also generate revenue apart from freight and passenger traffic. This non-fare revenue policy also includes channeling radio within trains, streaming videos/movies, and setting up of ATMs on railway platforms.
New Catering Policy
As per the latest report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the food that is served by the Indian Railways is not fit for human consumption. “Unpurified water straight from the tap was used in the preparation of beverages. Waste bins were not found covered, nor emptied regularly or washed. Food stuff was not covered to protect them from flies, insects, and dust. Rats and cockroaches were found in trains,” says the CAG report.
Now, under the New Catering Policy by Indian Railways, the responsibility to manage catering services in all mobile units has been given to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Delay In Trains
According to the CAG report 2017, 21 super fast trains were late for 3,000 days out of 16,804 as they failed to attain the ‘superfast’ speed. However, Indian Railways has been working on bringing in new superfast trains that will reduce the travel time; for instance, the launch of Tejas Express on Mumbai-Goa route.
New Improved technologies
The Indian Railways is working on a range of state-of-the-art technologies and it has also launched its first solar-powered train. Speaking at the launch, the Railway Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu stated, “it was a “path breaking leap” towards making trains more environment-friendly.”
Dirty Linen
After CAG report slammed railways for using dirty linens, Indian Railways announced that it is going to replace existing blankets with designer light-weight blankets.
Wi-Fi connection
After successfully installing Wi-Fi systems at over 125 stations across the country, Railways will now provide internet access to all on-board passengers through speedy Wi-Fi. As a fact, this service is accessible on trains like Tejas, Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express, and other luxury trains.
Bio-toilets
To prevent human waste to be thrown on the railway tracks, bio-toilets are being installed in the rail coaches. Till March 31, 2017, about 67,176 bio-toilets were installed in several coaches and over 45 green toilets at railway stations.
Better infrastructure
As per fiscal 2017-18, the Prime Minister’s Office has asked Indian Railways to look at redevelopment programme. So, many railway stations at various locations are likely to get a makeover for betterment of the travellers.
Also, IRCTC will install 1,100 water vending machines at stations. This step has been taken to ensure the availability of clean drinking water at reasonable rates in rail premises across the country.
