Passengers of long-distance trains will now have the option of resting at air-conditioned dormitories, rather than sleeping in the concourse areas of railway stations in event of delays.The Central Railway will soon be constructing air-conditioned dormitories at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Dadar station.
Earlier this month, the railways inaugurated similar dormitories at Kalyan and Thane stations to provide succor to stranded passengers.
According to authorities, passengers will be charged `150 for first 12 hours and `250 for 24 hours. Beds would be allotted on first-come-first-serve basis to valid ticket holders, who have either travelled or are going to travel for 500 kms. “The dormitories will become functional within a year. The rates are nominal, and are far less than the ones charged by hotels near railway stations. Passengers will also have the option of booking the bed for 12 or 24 hours, depending on their need,” said V.A. Malegaonkar, chief public relations officer of the CR.
While the CR plans to construct a 100-bed dormitory at CST, the LTT will get a 32-bed dormitory. “There are times when trains get delayed and there are certain trains that run during the early hours of the day. Passengers prefer to reach stations much before the scheduled departure, and the dormitories will discourage them from sleeping in the concourse areas,” added Mr Malegaonkar.
Moreover, the dormitories will also solve several security issues. An officer from the Government Railway Police said, “The dormitories at stations will reduce the risk of passengers losing their valuables.
Many women travel alone and this facility will also ensure their safety.”
Further, CR officials said that this would curb the incidents of autorickshaw and taxi drivers fleecing passengers during the early hours of the day, as passengers will now have an accommodation on railway station premises.
Private players will manage the operations of these dormitories.
Authorities are also planning for online booking of dormitories to make it user-friendly.