Retiring rooms operation at railway stations to be privatised

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New Delhi, May 11: In order to provide better facilities to passengers in retiring rooms at stations in the national capital, railways have decided to privatise its operation. Modern amenities including TV sets and room service will be also introduced in retiring rooms as per the plan finalised by Northern Railways. "The maintenance of retiring rooms at New Delhi Station and Old Delhi Station is to be outsourced to offer modern amenities to customers," said a senior official of Northern Railway. There are a total of 33 rooms, including 22 at New Delhi Station and 11 at Old Delhi Station, available for train passengers. Till now the maintenance responsibility was with the railways. However, there will be no change in tariff of retiring rooms, said the official. While the tariff of an AC retiring room is Rs 750, the tariff of a non-AC room rate is fixed at Rs 450 for 12 hours. A person can stay for a maximum of three days. The rates are cheap considering the prevailing rate in the area, he said. A tender was floated for providing modern facilities in retiring rooms and two players have evinced interest. "We will select one for the job shortly and whoever will be selected will be given the contract for 10 years," said the official, adding "the contract will be on revenue sharing basis. While the contractor will earn 20 per cent, railways will be given 80 per cent of collection." As per the arrangement, the private players will provide clean toilets, bedsheets, towels and keep the rooms clean. "Besides the housekeeping job, catering facility including room service will be also provided. There will be TV viewing facility in retiring rooms," said the official. Railways will soon launch online booking of retiring rooms to make it more user-friendly and transparent.