Railways could soon have TV channel

Indian Railways could soon have its own dedicated television channel, broadcasting passenger related information and highlighting various other facets of the PSU behemoth, if the suggestion of a railway committee is accepted.

"The channel could be run on the lines of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha channels and content developed to bring out various facets of Indian Railways," the Passenger Amenities Committee of Railways has recommended.

It said the channel should also act as a medium in promoting tourism and culture across the country and bring out programmes in association with tourism departments and tour operators.

Its recommendations are being currently studied by the Railway Board.

The six-member committee, which met in Kolkata recently, has also suggested slashing the price of Railways own brand of bottled water 'Rail Neer' from Rs 12 per bottle to make it more affordable to the masses.

It said the price should not be higher than 5 to 10 per cent of its cost of production and distribution, implying a bottle could be bought at Rs 5 to Rs 7.

Sending periodic SMS to passengers about train running information and expanding the services of 139 information system are among its other suggestions.