Passengers of Delhi-bound Shatabadi trains will now be able to watch their favourite programmes on live television free of cost while on the go.
According to a plan finalised by the Northern Railway, passengers of select Shatabadi trains will be offered the live TV service as part of an infotainment package without being charged for it.
"As per the plan, an eight-inch LCD TV screen will be installed behind every seat in Executive Class and Chair Cars in six Shatabdi trains originating from the capital," said a senior Northern Railway official.
The trains, which are being considered for installation of TV sets include Amritsar Shatabdi, Kalka Shatabdi, Lucknow Shatabdi, Bhopal Shatabdi, Ajmer Shatabdi and Dehradun Shatabdi.
"This will be a free of cost value-added service for Shatabdi passengers who will have a good time catching up on news and entertainment including cricket matches," said the official.
Northern Railways had a trial run of the service in Kalka Shatabdi before deciding to introduce it in all six Shatabdi trains originating from here.
"Response was very encouraging. There are many service providers who are are keen to provide the service," he said, adding, "tenders will be floated soon for selecting the service providers."
Envisaged on a PPP model, the service providers will install TV sets and provide manpower to run the system.
"The TV service will be operationalised by the service providers who will be allowed to air advertisement and share a part of the ad revenue with the railways," said the official.