Mumbai: Western railway is planning to introduce co-working spaces at selected stations and terminals, inspired by similar facilities in European railway stations. Office-goers will soon have the option to work in a digital lounge while waiting for their trains at the stations. As part of the initiative to modernise Indian railway stations, Western railway is set to conduct a new experiment, which will be developed under the Non-Fare Revenue (NFR) scheme.
A senior official of Western railway announced that ₹1,000 crores will be allocated in 2025 for passenger conveniences, including plans to build digital lounges for working individuals at major terminal stations. The proposal for these digital lounges will soon be submitted to the Railway Board.
Mumbai Railway Introduces Digital Lounges For Western Line | X /@abhirammodak
What will be the facilities in Digital Lounges?
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is introducing deluxe lounges at major terminus stations, providing passengers with a comfortable space to relax. These digital lounges will feature air-conditioned office-like environments equipped with facilities such as laptop and mobile charging points, as well as Wi-Fi-enabled tables.
Additionally, there will be a provision for tea and coffee, making it an ideal space for those who wish to work away from noisy areas. Each digital lounge will have seating for up to 40 people, allowing them to work together. Western railway officials have already started identifying the stations where these lounges can be established.
What is the non-fare revenue model?
The non-fare revenue (NFR) model offers public transportation operators a way to generate income from sources that do not rely on a fixed fare structure. Operators can earn NFR through various means, including advertising, rentals, telecommunication services, and more. Western Railway’s Digital Lounges will be integrated into their non-fare revenue model.
