Railways to start taxi service for passengers

Getting to railway stations may just get easier with the railways deciding to offer taxis at the door steps of passengers on dialling 139. According to a railway official, the 'book a taxi' service would be rolled out soon in about 25 cities across the country including the national capital.

Getting to railway stations may just get easier with the railways deciding to offer taxis at the door steps of passengers on dialling 139.

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The service would be offered at competitive tariff rates, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The 'book a taxi' service would be rolled out soon in about 25 cities across the country including the national capital.

"The aim of the service is to help passenger get rid of their woes in fetching a taxi and pay the actual charge incurred," he said.

The round-the-clock enquiry service 139 is a call centre number, run by IRCTC, to which passengers can make calls and seek information about PNR status, arrival/departure of trains, seat availability and fare and accommodation.

In the near future, one can even book a hotel dialling 139.

The official said if the 'book a taxi' service yields good response, the facility would be extended to smaller towns.

Passengers would also have a choice to pick the cab of his choice, he said. One can hire an Indica or Wagon R or can even ask for a luxury car.

The service will be directly monitored by IRCTC so that passengers get taxis on time and do not end up paying more.

The official said all taxis will be fitted with radio meters that will be connected to the call centre.

Meanwhile, IRCTC is set to start 'land package' for those planning to undertake religious trips to the four 'dhams' in the country.

The package will be for 12 days and start from Delhi on April 25, an IRCTC official said.