KRC Starts in-train Mobile Service

The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) added another ‘first’ to its list
to become the first railway service in the country to provide in-train mobile phone
service. Commissioned in October last on Goa-Mumbai route, the service has evoked lukewarm
response from the passengers. There are hardly two to three takers on each journey for
this innovative service, according to the official sources from KRCL.

The service was introduced on experimental basis on Konkan Kanya and Mandovi Express
trains shuttling between Mumbai and Goa everyday. One reason for its failure to catch up
passengers imagination could be the call charges, which are a bit on a higher side. A
mobile to mobile local call is charged at Rs 12 per minute while mobile to land line local
call is Rs 13 per minute. For STD, the rates are Rs 14 per minute for mobile to mobile
while Rs 23 per minute for mobile to land line.

Each coach has been equipped with mobile set, which is in the custody of the coach
attendant. The corporation has displayed boards at the entrances of the coaches informing
the passenger about this unique facility. Inconsistent mobile range is another drawback
for the scheme. Calls can be made only at the stations, where the range is generally
available. However, the entire stretch from Chiplun to Panvel comes under shadow area.
Short message facility and incoming calls are barred in this service and passengers are
charged for speechless and wrong numbers. This has restricted the use of this facility
only in emergency.

(CNS)