You can Surf the Net on Trains soon
10 Oct, 2006, 0230hrs IST TIMES NEWS NETWORK

PATNA:

Railways will provide Internet service to passengers on running trains soon. This facility will be made available under the 'passenger care services' with cooperation from Railtel Corporation of India (RCI).

Sources said Railtel has successfully carried out tests on a few long-distance trains. The tests proved that passengers could experience seamless connectivity on running trains.

While the Railway Board would soon select the trains on which Internet services would be made available, Railways, sources said, intend to provide this rare facility in all premier trains like Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi Express.

A senior Railtel official said the pilot project was being given top priority, considering the revenue it would yield in the long run.

"With the help of local area network (LAN), Railtel hopes to provide Internet services to passengers in all important mail and express trains," he said, adding that Railtel also proposes to start cyber cafes on stations.
Sources said Railtel is also keen on providing connectivity to tourists visiting small towns through LAN. Under the new system, a wireless LAN is to be created in the coaches through a transmitter placed inside them.

Besides, a roof-mounted antenna would catch the signal from towers which are to be set up at railway stations. Thus, passengers can use their own laptops to login as well.

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