Mumbai: Indian Railways opens first Pod retiring rooms

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Indian Railways has opened the first Pod retiring rooms for passengers of Indian Railways as well as common people, at the Mumbai Central station.

About:

• As per a senior Western Railway (WR) official, one is required to pay Rs 999 for 12 hours and Rs 1,999 for 24 hours to stay in this pod hotel.
• It will also provide facilities like Wi-Fi, TV, adjustable mirror, small locker, and reading lights.
• The pod hotel was inaugurated virtually by the Union minister of state for Railways Raosaheb Danve.

What is a pod hotel?

• Pod hotel or capsule hotel comprises of small bed-sized capsules and provide affordable overnight accommodation.
• Total cost of the projects and facilities is worth Rs 230 crore.

Key Features of the pod hotel

• Pod hotels are a significant feature of international tourism in Japan. It allows travellers to find accommodation at cheaper rates as compared to conventional hotels.
• Japanese-style pod hotel in Mumbai comprises of building with multiple small capsules, which will offer overnight stay for the passengers.
• These pods will provide facilities like Wi-Fi, key card access, air conditioning, CCTV surveillance, washrooms and other basic amenities.
• Waiting rooms have been constructed on the first floor of the station. The cheapest pod will cost Rs 999 for 12 hours. For 24 hours, it will cost Rs 1,999.
• For private pod, passengers will require to pay Rs 1249 for 12 hours, and Rs 2499 for 24 hours.