Indian Railways Will Offer ‘Pod’ Style Retiring Rooms At Rs 999 For 12 Hrs: Features, USPs

By Shreya Bose Last updated Oct 25, 2021

**It features multiple small 6ft x 8ft bed-sized rooms known as capsules.**

Inspired by Japan, IRCTC will launch the POD concept Retiring Rooms at Mumbai Central railway station.

M/s Urban Pod Pvt Ltd has been enlisted to set-up, operate and manage the facility for 9 years.

The site is located on the first floor of the Station Building at Mumbai Central Railway Station.

The unique hospitality concept is a capsule hotel or a Pod hotel which was first developed in Japan.

Contents

What Are They?

It features multiple small 6ft x 8ft bed-sized rooms known as capsules.

It functions as affordable, basic overnight accommodation for those who do not wish or need to stay at a conventional hotel which can be costlier.

It is commonly used by frequent travellers, backpackers, single travellers, corporate executives and study groups etc.

In true Japanese fashion, the pods are minimalist in design with no excess features than are strictly necessary, but are also comfortable.

Modern Amenities

Each pod has free Wi-Fi, luggage room, toiletries, shower rooms, and washrooms in common areas.

Inside the pod, the guest can avail facilities like:

TV
Small locker
Mirror
Adjustable air conditioner and air filter vents
Reading lights in addition to interior light
Mobile charging
Smoke detectors
DND indicators etc.

Types And Number Of Pods

The facility launching in Mumbai has a total Pod inventory of 48.

These will be divided into 3 major categories, namely 30 Classic Pods, 7 Ladies only, 10 Private Pods and One for Differently Abled.

The Classic Pods and Ladies only Pods will fit one guest.

The Private Pod will also have a private space for another within the room.

The room for differently abled will comfortably fit 2 guests with space to accomodate a wheelchair.

Rates, Launch, Expansion

The tariff will be around Rs. 999/- for 12 hours onwards per person and upto Rs. 1999/- for 24 hours and so on.

Launch is likely to take place from the last week of October, before the festive and New Year eve season at Mumbai Central Station of Western Railways.

There are also plans to set up 32 sleeping pods at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and 48 pods at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT).