Airport-style lounge with recliners and Wi-Fi launched for passengers
TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Mar 11: In a significant step towards improving passenger amenities and enhancing the overall travel experience in the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Executive Waiting Lounge at Srinagar Railway Station. The facility, designed on modern lines with airport-style amenities, has been made fully operational and is expected to provide a premium waiting experience to passengers travelling to and from the Valley.
The initiative has been undertaken under the direction of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vivek Kumar as part of Northern Railway’s ongoing efforts to upgrade passenger services and modernize railway infrastructure across the region.
Officials said the newly established Executive Waiting Lounge has been developed with a contemporary design and equipped with comfortable facilities to ensure that passengers can relax in a calm and pleasant environment while waiting for their trains. The lounge aims to bring a world-class hospitality experience to the railway station, similar to that available at major airports and premium transit hubs.
The facility includes well-designed interiors, comfortable seating arrangements, Wi-Fi connectivity, and dining options to cater to the needs of passengers. The environment inside the lounge has been curated to offer a quiet and relaxing space away from the hustle and bustle of the railway station, allowing travellers to spend their waiting time in comfort.
According to railway officials, the lounge has been equipped with 14 recliner sofas where passengers can relax in a comfortable setting. The recliners are available at a nominal charge of ₹50 per hour per person. The facility has been designed particularly for passengers who wish to enjoy a more relaxed and premium waiting experience before boarding their trains.
In addition to recliners, the lounge also provides seating arrangements for families and groups. A total of 50 two-seater sofa seats have been installed to accommodate multiple passengers simultaneously. The fee for these seats has been fixed at ₹20 per hour per person, making the facility accessible to a wider range of travellers.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Jammu Division, Uchit Singhal, said the new facility reflects the Railways’ commitment to improving passenger comfort and modernizing railway services in the region.
“This lounge features modern furnishings and a serene atmosphere, offering passengers an executive experience away from the hustle and bustle of the station,” he said.
Singhal added that the initiative will significantly enhance the travel experience for both tourists and local passengers using the railway network in Kashmir.
“This initiative by the Railways will provide world-class comfort to tourists and local passengers travelling to and from Kashmir while waiting for their trains,” he said.
The introduction of the Executive Waiting Lounge assumes importance as rail connectivity in the Kashmir Valley continues to expand and passenger traffic steadily increases. With the region witnessing growing tourist inflow and improved rail services, the demand for upgraded passenger facilities at railway stations has also been rising.
Officials said that by introducing premium facilities such as the Executive Waiting Lounge, the Railways aim to align passenger amenities at Srinagar Railway Station with the standards available at major railway terminals across the country.
Passengers using the lounge can also benefit from the availability of internet connectivity and refreshment options, making it convenient for them to relax, work, or spend time comfortably before the arrival of their train.
The facility is expected to particularly benefit tourists visiting the Valley, families travelling together, and passengers seeking a quieter and more comfortable space during their waiting period.
Public Relations Inspector of Jammu Division, Raghvender Singh, said the initiative forms part of a broader plan by Northern Railway to continuously upgrade passenger services and ensure a better travel experience across stations under its jurisdiction.
With the inauguration of the Executive Waiting Lounge, Srinagar Railway Station has taken another step towards becoming a modern and passenger-friendly transit hub, reflecting the Railways’ focus on providing improved infrastructure and enhanced comfort for travellers in the Kashmir Valley.
