Today the Indian Railways officially announced that they would soon be offering massage services for its passenger on board running trains.
The service could be availed in 39 trains departing from Indore. The idea was proposed by the Ratlam division of Western Railway zone.
The trains on which the service would be provided include Malwa Express, Indore-Lingampalli Humsafar Express, Avantika Express, Indore-Veraval Mahamana Express, Shipra Express, Narmada Express, Ahilya Nagari Express, Panchvally Express, Indore-Pune Express.
Rajesh Bajpai, director, media and communication, railway board said, “This is the first time in the history of railways that we will provide massaging service for passenger comfort on running trains. It will not only increase revenue but also add passengers. Railways to earn an additional revenue of Rs 20 lakh annually and an estimated increase of Rs 90 lakh per year through the additional sale of tickets from about 20,000 passengers who will be the service providers”.
The service would be offered at three prices each with for foot and head massage for 15 to 20 minutes. The Gold service is offered at Rs 100, Diamond service at Rs 200 and Platinum service at Rs 300.
Within 15-20 days the Indian Railways would commence the service and it would be available from 6 am to 10 pm. The train would have 3-5 massage providers and they would be provided with identity cards. The number of massage providers would be increased if required.
The Indian Railways had asked it’s zones and divisions to come out with new and innovative ideas to generate non-fare revenue, the message service would be the first idea want to be implemented after the suggestion of the Western Railway.