India Extends Free Wi-Fi to Over 6000 Public Railway Stations

The Railway Ministry has installed thousands of public internet points in an attempt to bridge the gap between urban and rural India. The initiative is part of a wider Government effort to improve logistics and connectivity, boosting rollover effects to the economy and essential social services.

Indian Railways Takes Active Part in Digital Transition

The state-run railway operator announced recently that customers and local citizens can access wireless internet at more than 6000 railway stations. The nationwide intervention comes as part of the Government initiative Digital India, a long-standing priority in its plans for economic and social transition.

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Digitisation efforts are aimed mostly at remote and rural parts of the Union. Despite a significant progress in linking such territories to the national and global online reality, many users have scarce and inconsistent access via 2G, falling further behind their urban peers.

Now, millions of passengers and locals will easily be able to carry out daily tasks, buy an  Indian lottery ticket online or make an essential appointment while waiting for the train. Stable internet connection is considered crucial in bringing the population closer to public digital systems and stimulating essential Indian economic sectors that operate online like the entertainment industry where websites like 10Cric have flourished recently.

The Digital India program is a staple of the Modi government since 2015, a strategic push towards better public-private partnerships that add value to the economy and consumer experience. The Railways’ Wi-Fi project confirms these priorities, having been implemented within a collaboration between Google, Tata Trust, PGCIL and DOT.

Connecting India in More Ways

The news comes on the back of recent reports of important upgrades in infrastructure across the railway grid. The Ministry of Railways operates the fourth-largest rail network on a global scale and has set itself an ambitious plan for the country’s connectivity, going way beyond mere improvements in consumer convenience.

On a mission for better connectivity, the Railways posted the highest annual rate of electrification of its network, despite objective Covid-19 difficulties. Electrifying over 6000 kilometres per year, the company is hoping to confirm its importance and key role as the driver of Bharat economy.

The national carrier has plans to fully electrify its network by the end of 2023 and achieve zero emissions in its operations by 2030. Indian-made passenger cars are regularly introduced in service as the transporter also strives to upgrade its public image and average level of passenger comfort.

The Ministry sees the railway operator as a cornerstone of public utility as well. Performing essential social functions like delivering medical oxygen across half of the Union, the Railways establish a more profound link to the nation’s stability – in times of economic growth and difficulties alike.

Following a similar reasoning, recently the Railways Minister Piyush Goyal officially went on record saying that the national carrier will never be privatised. New Delhi’s hopes are that a more reliable and better serviced public railroad network can provide economic growth and better public services for all.