The Central Railways (CR) is all set to open another sleeping pod at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station soon. This will be available to commuters on hourly basis; however, the tariff has not been announced yet.
Meanwhile, the CR on Tuesday, March 15, also announced reopening of the air conditioned dormitories and retiring rooms at CSMT and LTT. The 148-bed AC dormitory, 3 retiring rooms at CSMT and 48-bed AC dormitory and 8 retiring rooms at LTT, which were shut amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reopened.
Additionally, the railway is also planning to set up 48 pods at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). Earlier, in November last year, the sleeping pod facility was started by IRCTC at the Mumbai Central station.
Railway officials said the work on construction of sleeping pods to accommodate 45 guests at a one time has started. The pods will also be available for families, children, and adults.
A sleeping pod is a popular feature of international tourism, allowing travellers to find accommodation at rates far cheaper than those of conventional hotels.
Also Read: Minister Inaugurates Pod Retiring Room At Mumbai Central Railway Station
A five-year contract for development, operation, and maintenance of these pods has been awarded to a company which runs the Namah lounge at CSMT, said a railway official.
The pods are likely to have amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning, key card access, hygienic washrooms and CCTV surveillance, apart from routine facilities.
The Railways will be able to earn a revenue of INR 55 lakhs through this. The official said the contractor will develop sleeping pods in 131.61 square metre area with all modern facilities.
Meanwhile, last year, the Central Railways launched a "Restaurant on Wheels" at CSMT station. The restaurant has been made using a discarded rail coach which will become a landmark eating house in this area. Interestingly, this restaurant will be open 24 hours a day.
Read More: 10 more 'Restaurant On Wheels' to come up in Maharashtra
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