Soon, free Wi-Fi services at CST

Suburban commuters will soon be able to access free Wi-Fi at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). The project undertaken by Rail Tel, a public sector subsidiary of the railways, is close to completion. The company has already installed 24-25 routers on the CST premises.

Suburban commuters will soon be able to access free Wi-Fi at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). The project undertaken by Rail Tel, a public sector subsidiary of the railways, is close to completion. The company has already installed 24-25 routers on the CST premises.

The government had, in the 2014-15 railway budget, announced free Wi-Fi services at all A1 grade (those who earn more than Rs60 crore) and A grade (those who earn between Rs8 crore and Rs60 crore) category stations.

The city has seven stations under the two categories, including Bombay Central, Bandra Terminus, CST and LTT.

In the first phase, Wi-Fi services will be provided at CST, and subsequently, at Bombay Central.

The services will be on par with New Delhi railway stations, wherein the commuters will be able to access free Internet for the first 30 minutes, after which it will be chargeable.

“Every day, a user will get free Internet for the first 30 minutes. After this, he will have to purchase data coupons, which start from Rs25,” said a railway official, requesting anonymity.

Other stations in the state to get Wi-Fi in the first phase are Surat, Ahmedabad and Pune.

“It is a good move by the railways. The service should be provided at more suburban stations. I hope even other organisations such as the BEST and state transport come up with similar initiatives and provide free Internet at bus depots or stations,” said Prachi Desai, media consultant and Ghatkopar resident.