Is Indian Railways Really Offering Free Wi-Fi at 6,115 Stations?
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Synopsis
Indian Railways has taken a major step towards enhancing passenger experience by launching free Wi-Fi services at 6,115 railway stations across India. This initiative is part of the Digital India Programme aimed at narrowing the urban-rural digital divide. Discover how you can benefit from this service!
Key Takeaways
- Free Wi-Fi is now available at 6,115 railway stations.
- Part of the Digital India Programme to enhance connectivity.
- Access requires connecting to 'RailWire' and entering your mobile number.
- Available in major cities as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.
- Managed by RailTel, ensuring quality service.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Indian Railways has launched complimentary Wi-Fi services at a total of 6,115 railway stations throughout the nation, as disclosed in Parliament on Tuesday. This initiative is part of the government's Digital India Programme, which seeks to eliminate the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha in a written statement that nearly all railway stations serviced by Indian Railways benefit from 4G/5G connectivity provided by various Telecom Service Providers. Passengers are utilizing these networks for data access, which leads to an improved passenger experience. In addition to this, free Wi-Fi has been made available at the aforementioned stations.
Travelers at these locations can enjoy streaming HD videos, downloading entertainment, and managing office tasks through the complimentary Wi-Fi. To utilize this service, passengers need to activate the Wi-Fi setting on their smartphones and connect to the 'RailWire' network. They must enter their mobile number to receive an SMS OTP and begin using the Wi-Fi.
This initiative covers numerous prominent stations including New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Chennai Central, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad in Tier 1 cities, along with various Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Tier 2 cities like Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Meerut, and Bhopal are included, alongside Tier 3 cities such as Rohtak and Cuttack.
The complimentary Wi-Fi at Indian railway stations is managed by RailTel, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, utilizing the 'RailWire' brand. Previously, RailTel collaborated with companies like Google and Tata Trusts to expand this service, but it is now independently managing and providing access to RailWire.
In April, RailTel secured a significant contract worth Rs 90.08 crore from the Institute of Road Transport. Its shares have seen an impressive return of over 140 percent for investors over the past five years.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of initiatives like the free Wi-Fi service by Indian Railways. This move not only enhances the travel experience but also aligns with national efforts to promote digital inclusivity. Access to the internet can empower individuals and communities, bridging gaps and fostering opportunities.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access the free Wi-Fi at railway stations?
To access the free Wi-Fi, simply switch on the Wi-Fi feature on your smartphone, connect to 'RailWire', and enter your mobile number to receive an SMS OTP.
Which railway stations offer free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available at 6,115 railway stations, including major ones like New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Chennai Central, and many others across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities.
Who manages the free Wi-Fi service?
The free Wi-Fi service is managed by RailTel, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, using the 'RailWire' brand.
What are the benefits of this free Wi-Fi service?
Passengers can stream HD videos, download entertainment, and handle office work while waiting at the stations, enhancing their overall travel experience.
What is the Digital India Programme?
The Digital India Programme is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at improving digital infrastructure and bridging the urban-rural digital divide.
