Passengers will soon be able to tune in to popular FM Radio stations while travelling in trains. The Indian Railways has decided to launch Radio service in around 1000 trains to start with. This would provide passengers with much needed entertainment while travelling and could also prove to be instrumental in case of an emergency or disaster. Passengers will not only be treated to popular songs and music over the public address system in coaches, but also be updated on train-related information.
“We are in the process of finalizing arrangements with a few leading FM radio stations to provide entertainment as well as information to passengers onboard about 1000 Mail and Express trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto,” said a senior Railway Ministry official.
The Public Transport giant plans to set up studios in Railway Board and zonal headquarters to start the service. “It will be easier to reach out to passengers during emergency through PA system from the headquarters," said the official.
In his Budget speech for 2016-17, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had proposed to invite popular FM radio stations to provide onboard infotainment through Public Address systems on trains. At present, only premier trains like Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains are equipped with PA systems. “Once Rail Radio service is operationalised, all these premier trains will be linked with the system,” he had said.
Apart from the radio service, the state-run Public transport also plans to provide a bilingual onboard magazine “Rail Bandhu” to the travelers, reports PTI. “Currently the magazine is available only in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains. There is also a plan to publish Rail Bandhu in regional languages,” a senior Railway Ministry official said to the PTI.
Railway Ministry, under Suresh Prabhu, has undertaken various measures to enhance passenger comfort. Trains and stations are cleaner than ever before. Deen Dayalu coaches have been launched to improve and revolutionize traveling in General coaches. The coaches will have water-filtration system, charging points, bio-toilets and cushioned seats. This surely looks like Achhe Din for Indian Railways and its passengers.