These are the best amenities offered by Indian Railways
In terms of passenger convenience and ticket reservation/cancellation services, Indian Railways has advanced significantly over time. To make passengers' travel more comfortable, it provides several amenities both on trains and at stations. It works tirelessly to raise the standard of services so that millions of travelers can enjoy first-rate amenities every day. These are the top six amenities and services that Indian Railways offer.
Pantry car facility on trains and refreshment rooms at stations
All major Indian Railways trains have pantry car facilities to provide food to passengers. For passengers of premium trains, food is provided free-of-cost. Indian Railways also arranges catering services for passengers of trains with no pantry car. Passengers can approach train conductors, coach attendants, or other authorized staff for the same. Also, every important railway station has refreshment rooms for the convenience of passengers.
Provision of wheel chairs, battery-operated cars for the elderly, disabled
In order to assist old and disabled railway passengers, Indian Railways launched Sarathi Seva to provide paid battery operated car rides and porter services at major railway stations. In addition to this, it also provides pick up and drop facility and wheelchair services. Railways introduced Yatri Mitra Sewa, under which Yatri Mitras or Sahayaks provide wheelchair cum porter services.
Free Wi-Fi services offered at hundreds of railway stations
The Indian Railways also offers free public Wi-Fi facility - RailWire - to rail users at over 700 railway stations (as of June 2018). The national transporter's telecom arm, RailTel, and tech giant Google have joined hands to provide the free Wi-Fi service. The service, a key initiative under the government's Digital India programme, was launched in January 2016 from Mumbai Central station.
Indian Railways offers home delivery, pay-on-delivery services for train tickets
Last year, the Indian Railways, through IRCTC, started delivering train tickets to the passenger's doorstep, allowing them to make the payment through different modes, including cash. This pay-on-delivery service allows customers to book rail tickets online (on IRCTC's platforms) and choose to pay at the time of delivery. IRCTC introduced the pay-on-delivery service for rail tickets under the Tatkal Quota, too.
First-aid and other medical facilities on board trains
In case of medical emergencies on trains, Indian Railways arranges relief through onboard facilities. Pantry car managers, guards/train superintendents are equipped with first-aid boxes; front-line staffers are trained to administer first-aid. Ticket examiners/train superintendents also try to locate doctors among passengers to help sick persons. Efforts to arrange for doctors and medical facilities at upcoming stations are also made if there is an emergency.
Cloak rooms, safety lockers, waiting rooms at stations
For the convenience of railway passengers, Indian Railways also has cloak rooms and safety lockers for them to keep their baggage in safe custody at all major stations. Passengers can also wait for a few hours at waiting rooms for free by producing journey tickets.
