The Indian Railways, which is called the lifeline of India, is not only the largest transport system in the country, but it has become an integral part of the lives of crores of Indians. Everyday millions of people travel by train – sometimes to go to office, sometimes to travel long distances. The journey of Indian Railways is not only cheap and comfortable, but it also provides many free services which are not known to most people.
So let’s know the facilities that you get free with train tickets but often ignore.
1. Free Wi-Fi service
If you reach the station ahead of time and the train is late, then you are given free Wi-Fi service from the railway side. High-speed internet is available at thousands of railway stations in the country, which passengers can connect through their mobile number and use the Internet.
2. Free treatment during the journey
If a passenger becomes unwell while traveling in the train, he can call the helpline number 139 of the railway and ask for help. Railway’s medical team arrives at the station or train when needed and gives free treatment and medicines.
3. Chadar, blanket and pillow in AC coach
If you are traveling in AC class (AC, 2AC, 3AC), you are given a bedroll from the railway, which includes sheets, blankets and pillows. This service is involved in ticket fare and does not have to pay any separate charge. However, ₹ 25 charge is taken for this in some trains like Garib Rath Express.
4. Food facility (in some trains)
Some special trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande India are served food on their seats. Although this service is not completely free, no separate payment has to be made for this as its fee is already included in the ticket fares.
5. Use of waiting hall
If your train is late and you have to wait at the station, you can sit comfortably in AC and non-AC waiting rooms at the railway station. For this, you just have to show your ticket. Nominal fees are charged for this at some stations.
6. Passengers get insurance up to Rs 10 lakh
You will be surprised to know that whenever you book a train ticket, the railway gives insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for you. For this, a charge of only ₹ 0.45 paise is combined with tickets. If there is an accident during the journey, then the passenger or their families get compensation.
7. Special facility for disabled and elderly
Railways also provides facilities like wheelchairs, stretchers and support staff for passengers unable to walk or need to run. The bus passenger has to reach the station and contact the concerned counter.
8. How to complain?
If you do not get any facility during the journey or have any kind of problem, then you can file a complaint online or offline in the railway. Complaint options are as follows:
Enter your complaint in the Complaint Book in the Booking Office.
Online portal: pgportal.gov.in
Helpline Number: 9717630982, 011-23386203, 139
conclusion
Indian Railways is not just a travel tool, but also a responsible service provider to understand the needs of travelers. If the passengers have the correct knowledge of these facilities, then their journey can be not only comfortable but also more economical. Next time you travel by train, take full advantage of these free services and improve your experience.