Indian Railways launches POD concept retiring room

• Indian Railways has unveiled its first-ever 'pod' concept retiring rooms at Mumbai Central Railway station.
• 'Pod' rooms which were first started in Japan are basically affordable hotel rooms that are equipped with basic necessities in a compact form.

About POD Rooms

• POD rooms are hugely popular in western countries like Japan.
• These accommodation hotels have several small bed-sized rooms known as capsules.
• They may be minimalistic in nature or be equipped with several facilities.
• However, the capsule rooms are less expensive and are suitable for overnight accommodation.

IRCTC’s Pod Rooms

• Urbanpod, India’s first of its kind, pod or capsule-like room is uniquely built.
• The facility has around 48 inventories, divided into 3 major categories, namely 30 classic pods, 7 ladies only, 10 private Pods, and one for persons with disabilities.
• The IRCTC’s pod rooms are equipped with facilities such as WIFI, reading light, washroom, charging points, etc.

Step towards better hospitality infrastructure

• IRCTC was working towards developing a new concept of retiring rooms – the Pod/ Capsule concept retiring room and dormitory.
• To execute the same, IRCTC awarded the contract for setting up and management of Pod/Capsule concept retiring room and dormitories at Mumbai Central (MMCT) station of Western Railway.
• Pod hotels have been designed/conceptualized with a focus on the safety and comfort of the passengers.
• Pod hotels provide affordable, basic overnight accommodation for guests who do not require larger, expensive rooms offered by conventional hotels.
• The passengers can also avail all modern facilities at comparatively cheaper rates.
• IRCTC also manages the operation of retiring rooms, rail yatri niwas and hotels.
• Earlier this year, the Ministry of Railways has accorded permission to Zonal Railways to decide on reopening of retiring rooms at Stations keeping in view local conditions including Covid related protocols issued by Government.
• These conveniences were discontinued post the announcement of lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.