Hi-tech stations: Chennai Central offers highspeed WiFi

Chennai: Inaugurating high-speed WiFi at Chennai Central on Sunday, Union Minster of Railways, Suresh Prabhu, said that at least seven railway stations in TN and 100 stations across India would have access to free Wi-Fi by the end of this year. He also inaugurated the Wi-Fi services at Tiruchirappalli railway station through video conferencing.

“The Wi-Fi facilities have been introduced not only as a passenger amenity but also to take a step towards Prime Minister Modi’s dream of digital India,” Suresh Prabhu told the audience. “We are utilising the IT services in India like they have never been utilised. IT digital technology is being used as a railway turnaround strategy.”

RailTel, in association with Google, commissions the Wi-Fi facility at stations. At Chennai Central, a total of 99 access points and 36 access switches have been installed.  At Thiruchirappalli railway station, there are 18 access switches and 44 access points to provide seamless fast Wi-Fi service to passengers.The minister said that till 2104, Railways was performing poorly and there was a lack of investment. “Now, we are completely dedicated to improving passenger amenities, modernisation, high-speed travel,” the Railway Minster continued.

Wi-Fi services to passengers are being provided under ‘Railwire’, the retail broadband distribution model of RailTel.  Railwire Wi-Fi will be available to any user who has a working mobile connection on a smartphone.