Kochi: Fully air-conditioned executive lounges, which will facilitate short duration stay for high-end travelers, will come up at Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram railway stations by March next.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has awarded the contract to the Casino Hotels Group and as per tender conditions, the work should be completed in 150 days.
"A lot of tourists and business travelers could avoid stay at hotels for temporary stay or waiting for trains. The services include food, toilets and urinals, wash and change, recliners, TV, Wi-Fi, soft beverages, train information display and announcement among others. There will be fees based on slabs which are yet to be decided for the lounges here," a senior IRCTC official said.
The IRCTC will charge entry fee from commuters which will be decided on the basis of time slabs. "The entry fee at the Executive lounge at New Delhi railway station is Rs 150 for initial two hours. However the rates will be lesser here," the official said.
Seats in the Executive Lounge can be booked in advance through online -- www.irctc.co.in. The passengers should carry one photo identity proof like PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhar card and Driving License among others besides a valid train ticket either reserved or unreserved.
While the lounge will be coming up at the old booking office area at Thiruvananthapuram, the one at Ernakulam would be set up at the northern end of the Platform No 1.
Meanwhile, the work of the Food Plaza at Ernakulam is nearing completion. "We'll set up water vending machines at Kottayam and Chengannur stations soon to facilitate Sabarimala pilgrims and then at Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam stations," he said.
