Indian Railways green-lights massages services on trains. Details of the pilot here

The Indian Railways on Saturday announced massage services for passengers on board running trains. The service will be made available in 39 trains departing from Indore.
This will be the first time in the history of Indian Railways that massage services will be made available for passengers on board running trains.

“This is the first time in 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 ₹20 lakh annually and an estimated increase of ₹90 lakh per year through additional sale of tickets from about 20,000 passenger who will be the service providers." said Railway Authorities.

The Railways will charge Rs 100 each for foot massage or head massage. Three to five contracted persons will travel in each train. For them, Railways will issue proper IDs and authorities. The proposal was made from the Ratlam division of Western Railway zone under New, Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS). This proposal will fetch Rs 20 lakh in a year, whereas the deemed earning will be Rs 90 lakhs (towards ticket) as it will increase approx 20,000 passengers (massage providers).

“ The train would have about three-to-five masseurs, who will be hired on contract. The contractors and the masseurs would be given identity cards after proper background checks. This is the first time that such a contract has been signed,” said Rajesh Bajpai, director, media and communication, Railway board.

Read: Indian railways make Mathura summer bearbale with new 'mist cooling system'

Massage service will not be available during night hours (10 pm to 6 am). The service is likely to commence in the next 15-20 days. Three to five massage providers will travel on each train. The railways will provide them identity cards. Among the 39 trains in which this service will be provided include Malwa Express, Humsafar Express, Mahamana Express and Shipra Express among others. 

Also Read: Indian Railways sets world record as PM Modi unveils first ever diesel to electric converted locomotive in Varanasi