RailTel has provided high speed Wi-Fi at 985 stations with its own/other funding and at 415 A, A1 and C category stations with technology partner Google for radio access. RailTel has also completed work of providing Wi-Fi at 200 stations in collaboration with the centre’s Universal Service Obligatory Fund.

 

In the next phase, RailTel has roped in Tata Trust for providing Wi-Fi service at remaining 4,791 B,C,D and E category stations. Indian Railways wants to provide free Wi-Fi to these very small stations to enable rural/low population use free Wi-Fi facility.

 

Railtel CMD Puneet Chawla said, “Providing public Wi-Fi at 24X7 crowded stations are a huge challenge and unprecedented in India. But with an experienced and dedicated team, we have managed to complete 1,600 stations as of now. And with the current pace of execution we are confident of completing the project well within time.”

 

Western Railways CPRO Ravindra Bhakar, said “Mumbai suburban Railway has seen the major milestones being achieved for the railway station Wi-Fi project. The journey of RailWire station Wi-Fi started from Mumbai Central. Then Reay Road became the 1000th station couple of days back and now Santa Cruz has been declared as the 1600th station in the country to have fast free RailWire Wi-Fi. This Wi-Fi is a boon for millions of passengers commuting through Suburban Railways everyday”.