Railways to provide foot and head massage services in trains for ₹100 | Today News - Mint

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In a first, the Indian Railways will provide massage services for passengers on board. As per a PTI report, this facility will be made available in 39 trains departing from Indore. These include Dehradun-Indore Express (14317), New Delhi-Indore Intercity Express (12416) and Indore-Amritsar Express (19325), a railway official said.


Here are a few things to know about the soon to be rolled-out Indian Railways massage services:


1) Initially, masseurs (male) will be hired for the project and subsequently, on the basis of its success, the masseuse will be introduced. ANI quoted DRM Ratlam division, RN Sunkar as saying, "We have already awarded tenders. Initially, we will have only masseurs and based on the success of the project, we will introduce masseuses."


2) Massage service is likely to start in the next 15-20 days.


3) The head and foot massage service in trains will not be available during night hours (10 pm to 6 am).


4) Among the 39 trains in which this service will be provided include Malwa Express, Humsafar Express, Mahamana Express and Shipra Express among others.


5) Foot and head massage will include in the services provided by the Railways. The charges will surge if a passenger wants some 'specialized services', use of medicines or oils. The charges will vary accordingly.


6) Three to five massage providers will travel on each train. The railways will provide them identity cards.


7) According to the Railway official, the masseurs who will provide professional services to the passengers on train will have to travel on their own ticket and their number would be displayed to the passengers for availing the services.


8) According to railway officials, the service will be provided in all reserved coaches. Only luxury trains like Maharaja Express had this service so far.


9) Officials say the contract will generate an additional income of ₹20 lakh for the Railways. The masseurs will be given licences to operate in the train.


10) Passengers hailed the initiative by the Railways and asserted that it would be of great help to those who are tired of the long journey and to the elder commuters.


-With inputs from Agencies