Railway passengers on-board will soon be able to get information about their travel besides having free access to Internet facilities.
Looking to make travel more comfortable, Railways would also be introducing a pilot project in select trains, under which passengers would be able to get in touch with on-board staff through SMS, phone calls or e-mails.
Besides, more security personnel would be pressed into service for passengers especially women.
Emphasising that he is committed to bring a marked change in the level of passenger amenities, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal today announced various measures for improving travel experience while presenting the Railway Budget for 2013-14.
Bansal said Railways would introduce announcement facility and electronic display boards in trains for disseminating information to on-board passengers about approaching stations, running of the train and arrival platform, among others.
Soon, free Wi-Fi facilities would be introduced in several trains to "cater to the increasing aspirations and requirements of our youth and other valued customers," the Minister said.
According to Bansal, the proposed SMS or phone call facility for passengers would help them get "prompt response" for coach cleanliness and also real time feedback.
"It is my firm belief that Railways' efforts towards introducing new trains, extending the run or frequency of existing trains should not be at the cost of amenities for passengers and safety," Bansal said.
