For the very first time in the history of Indian Railways, massage services will be made available on board running trains for the passengers. This massage facility will be made available in 39 trains departing from Indore, as mentioned by a railway official today.
As per the railway official, "This was a proposal from the Ratlam division of Western Railway zone." According to Rajesh Bajpai, Director, Media and Communication, Railway Board, "This is the first time in history of railways that we will provide massaging service for passenger comfort on running trains. It will not only increase revenue but also add passengers. Railways will earn an additional revenue of Rs. 20 lakh annually and an estimated increase of Rs. 90 lakh per year through additional sale of tickets from about 20,000 passengers who will avail the services. This is the first time that such a contract has been signed."
Three to Five persons of the contractor will travel on each train. Also, for them, Railways will issue proper IDs and authorities. The proposal was made under New, Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS).
It is to be noted, that the service will be available for Rs. 100 each for foot massage and head massage. Massage service will not be available during night hours (10 pm to 6 am). Service is likely to commence in the next 15-20 days. Among the 39 trains in which this service will be provided are Malwa Express, Humsafar Express, Mahamana Express and Shipra Express among others.
This scheme is part of the railways scheme whereby zones and divisions have been asked to come out with new and innovative ideas to generate non-fare revenue for the national transporter.
