Railways’ first pod hotel — which features a large number of small, bed-sized rooms known as ‘capsules’ that boast of modern amenities but come at affordable rates — is set to open by month-end at Mumbai Central. Pod hotels provide affordable and basic overnight accommodation for guests who do not require or who cannot afford larger, more expensive rooms offered by conventional hotels.
Western Railways chief public relations officer Sumit Thakur said, “This unique facility will be a game changer in the way passengers travel in India by rail, especially those on business trips. The pod concept is more suitable for frequent travellers, backpackers, single travellers, corporate executives and study groups.”
The pod hotel at Mumbai Central is located on the first floor of Station Building and the rooms will be spread over an area of approximately 3,000 sq ft. The hotel facility will have an inventory of 48 capsules divided in 4 categories — 30 classic pods, 10 private pods, 7 for women, and one for the differently-abled. While both classic and women-only pods can accommodate only one guest each, the private pod will have additional private space within the room. The room for the differently-abled, on the other hand, can comfortably accommodate 2 guests with space for free movement of wheelchair.
The pods are compact 6ft x 8ft rooms but offer all the comforts of a conventional hotel room. The pod hotel will provide free Wi-Fi, a luggage room, toiletries, shower room and washrooms in the common area. Moreover, inside each capsule, the guests will have TV, locker facility, mirror, airconditioner and air filter vents, reading lights in addition to interior light, mobile charging point, smoke detectors and DND indicators.
The IRCTC had awarded the contract to Urban Pod Pvt Ltd to set-up, operate and manage the Pod Hotel for nine years. Work on the project began in February.
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