Indian Railways to launch Wi-Fi hotspot booth at 500 stations soon

The Indian Railways came up with good news for passengers, as soon Railways will be launching Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks in 500 stations with an aim to offer connectivity in rural regions and aid people access online and internet services, including a range of government schemes.

Named as Railwire Saathi, the Wi-Fi kiosks will be providing PCO like serive for Digital India and will allow people to use services like e-commerce, online banking, offer them access to open school/university and insurance schemes, e-ticketing for train and bus services among others.

Apart from offering internet services, Railwire Saathi is likely to provide services like automated form filling, mobile and DTH recharge  in areas with limited connectivity. Launched with an aim to offer connectivity to the unrelated, the Railwire Saathi at the same time proffer jobs opportunities in rural areas, a senior Railway Ministry official said.

Expected to be operational by May, the scheme is being made to have dual aim providing jobs as well as connectivity. Also, Railways is equipping about 400 stations with free Wi-Fi service in association with Google. A Wi-Fi entrepreneurship model, Railwire Saathi offers an outstanding platform for unemployed youths, preferably women, who can be qualified and supported to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot and provide a platform to online services which will make the business sustainable, he said.

However, the scheme will be implemented throughout the country by RailTel, the telecom arm of railways. Though there are various schemes for minorities, farmers, common man and many avenues for completing education, people in remote areas are generally not aware of them or find it difficult to access them, said the official. The youths who are unemployed and want to get benefitted with RailWire Saathi have to contact RailTel for necessary training.