IRCTC to revamp retiring rooms in 600 stations across India

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp (IRCTC) is all set to revamp the retiring room complexes at nearly 600 stations across India. 

Indian Railways are in move of floating tenders inorder to engage with reputed service providers for the maintenance, expansion and introduction of new facilities in retiring rooms on the PPP and ROT (Renovate-Operate-Transfer) model.

Under new facilities, IRCTC plans to bring in quality mattresses and linen, almirah / locker for luggage, LED TV, telephone and intercom, firefighting equipment, potable water and room heaters. All rooms will be made well furnished, properly lit and air-conditioned.  

Going ahead, the retiring room's washrooms will be aesthetically designed with modern facilities. Also provisions will be made for wheel chairs for senior citizen and handicapped person.

These facilities will be meant to provide reasonable and safe transit accommodation to bona fide railway passengers, who can book a retiring room for a maximum of 72 hours.

The renovation process will be carried in a phased manner, starting with retiring rooms/domitries situated at 400 400 AI and A category stations. 

To make travelling more enjoyable, IRCTC also plans to provide some value added services on payment basis, such as food and beverage services in rooms, tour and travel services with local sightseeing, magazines and books, laundry facility, Internet, STD/ISD and Wi-Fi connectivity in the premises.

Further bringing in flexibility, IRCTC will als ensure retailing of journey conveniences and travel requirements like gifts and toys. Eliminating the stress of carrying luggage, IRCTC will bring in bell boy / porter service for luggage. 

In its Railway budget 2016-17 speech, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced that "retiring rooms will be handed over to IRCTC to ensure that these can be managed in a professional manner." 

Presently, the retiring rooms include facilities like  AC and non-AC rooms with attached/common bathrooms, AC and non-AC dormitories with common bathrooms, limited food and beverages services, and lockers.