(a) whether the Government has started/proposes to start the facility of free Wi-Fi service for the passengers at railway stations across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the name of stations selected therefor and the criteria fixed for selection of railway stations, State-wise;
(c) whether certain foreign companies have come forward to collaborate with the Indian Railways to provide Wi-Fi Services at the railways stations;
(d) if so, the details thereof, including the investment that has been made so far by these foreign investors; and
(e) the steps so far taken by the Government in this regard? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a): Yes, Madam. Wi-Fi facility with free access to rail passengers for first 30 minutes in a day is proposed to be provided at all A1 (75), A (332) and B(302) i.e. total 709 railways stations. For period after 30 minutes the service will be available on payment.
(b): Initially the Wi-Fi service is proposed to be provided at 400 nos. of A1 and A category stations. For B category stations Request For Proposal (RFP) issued and date of opening is 23.12.2015.
Initially Wi-Fi project shall be undertaken in phases to cover all A1 and A category stations.
Non-Suburban stations with an annual passenger earning of more than ` 60 crores are categorised as A1 stations. Non-Suburban stations with an annual passenger earnings of ` 8 crores and upto ` 60 crores are categorised as A stations.
(c): Yes, Madam.
(d): RailTel Coporation of India Limited (a Public Sector Undertaking of Ministry of Railways) has entered into a collaboration with M/s. Mahataa Information India Private Limited (an Indian Subsidiary of Google Inc.) for the present, no direct investment has been made so far. The proposed investment will come in the form of providing technology, design and equipments required for providing Wi-Fi service.
(e): Work of providing of Wi-Fi service within the scope of the collaboration is in progress at 100 category A1 and A stations, after which work at balance 300 category A1 and A stations shall be taken up. For B category stations Request For Proposal (RFP) issued and date of opening is 23.12.2015.
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