As a part of its modernization endeavour, Indian Railways, in a recently shared announcement informed that the department has decided to convert trains from the operating with conventional coaches to better coaches, which are technologically superior and will provide better travelling experience and safety.
As of November, 2021, a total of 575 pairs of trains have been replaced with the current LHB coaches and the conversion of ICF coaches to LHB coaches is being done in a phased manner subject to operational feasibility and availability of coaches. Moreover, officials also stated that state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Coaches are being produced as well, and these have been equipped with improved features on the Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya, Utkrisht Double Decker Air-Conditioned Yatri (UDAY), Mahamana, Deen Dayalu and Vistadome etc.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, through a recent communication, also shared that various stations are being redeveloped to provide modern amenities. As of now, two stations on the Western Railway (WR) have been developed and commissioned, basis which techno-economic feasibility and modernisation of other stations is being planned as well.
Authorities from the railways are exploring various possibilities of funding to develop Railway Stations under different models. The time frame for construction of stations has not been announced at this stage as the program is said to be complex in nature and would require detailed techno-economic studies and various statutory clearances. However, the department will share the details soon.
On the other hand, with an aim to offer more benefits, the department has decided to provide Wi-Fi services at additional stations in India. As of now, a total of 6,071 stations have the services which are available to the general public free of cost for the first half an hour of any day and on a chargeable basis, subsequently.
In today's digital world, provision of Wi-Fi at Railway stations facilitates passengers in accessing the internet at the stations. This service is helping the public to avail online services and information, thereby contributing towards Digital India initiative.
Data reveals that the total data usage on these stations is approximately 97.25 Terabytes per month. To implement the process, funds amounting to INR 27.22 crores have been sanctioned by department for provision of Wi-Fi services at 193 Railway stations in rural areas. This will be executed jointly by RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RCIL) and as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects of various firms.