Music, jokes, trivia to be train companions

Passengers can soon tune in to popular FM radio stations while travelling on trains, with the Indian Railway firming up plans to roll out a Rail Radio service for ‘onboard infotainment’. The service is part of the 2016-17 budget announcement. The state-run public transporter plans to introduce the facility on about 1000 Mail and express trains, including premier services. 

Passengers will not only be treated to popular songs and music over the public address (PA) system in coaches, but also be updated on train-related information on hourly basis. The system will be used to issue alerts in case of an emergency, according to the plan. 

Besides jokes, astrology and other trivia, the history of Indian Railway and its major activities will also be part of the Rail Radio service. “We are in the process of finalising arrangements with a few leading FM radio stations to provide entertainment as well as information to passengers,” said a senior Railway Ministry official.  “Once operational, all these premier trains will be linked with the system,” said a Railways official. Studios will be set up at Railway Board and all zonal headquarters to operationalise Rail Radio service. It will be helpful during emergency situations like accidents or a natural calamity, he added.