Passengers of Indian Railways and even common people can now avail of modern resting facilities at comparatively cheaper rates thanks to the first-of-its-kind pod hotel that has come up at the Mumbai Central station.
According to a senior Western Railway (WR) official, one has to pay Rs 999 for 12 hours and Rs 1,999 for 24 hours for staying in this pod hotel where facilities like WiFi, TV, a small locker, adjustable mirror, and reading lights, among others, will be provided.
A pod hotel has several small bed-sized capsules and provides affordable overnight accommodation.
The first pod hotel on the Indian Railways was inaugurated virtually on Wednesday by Union minister of state for Railways Raosaheb Danve from the Churchgate station in south Mumbai.
The minister said that many passengers coming from other states to Mumbai either return the same day or stay overnight. However, for many of them the hotels and lodging facilities in the city are unaffordable.
"For such passengers, the Western Railway has implemented the pod hotel concept at Mumbai Central, which will provide accommodation to them at Rs 999 per day. A person can easily come and stay there and leave the next day," he said.
He said the pod hotel is air-conditioned and well-equipped with all the facilities.