Early Times Report
Bhopal, June 26: Taking another historic step in elevating passenger amenities at Bhopal Railway Station, a grand inauguration of the newly constructed Executive and VIP Lounge was held today. The lounge was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, with the ceremonial unveiling conducted by his gracious hands. To enhance the dignity of the event, several distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion. These included Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Welfare and Cooperation, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Vishwas Sarang; Hon’ble Mayor of Bhopal, Smt. Malti Rai; Hon’ble MLA (North) Shri Atif Arif Aqeel; and Hon’ble Chairman of Municipal Corporation, Shri Kishan Suryavanshi. From the railway administration, Divisional Railway Manager of Bhopal Shri Debashish Tripathi, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Smt. Rashmi Diwakar, and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Shri Saurabh Kataria were present alongside other senior officials, who actively contributed to the successful conduct of the program. Representing the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Shri Gaurav Jha, Group General Manager (Mumbai), was also present and shared technical and operational insights related to the construction and functioning of the new lounge. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Shri Saurabh Kataria informed that this lounge has been developed by IRCTC. Spread over approximately 10,693 square feet, the modern facility offers premium services, providing travelers with a luxurious and exclusive space for relaxation, entertainment, and work before and after their journey. Seating and Rest Areas: The Executive Lounge can comfortably seat 200 passengers, while the VIP Lounge is designed for 100 passengers. Both are air-conditioned and feature plush seating. Additionally, the lounge is equipped with 48 luggage racks and three ‘Nap Zones’ that offer recliner chairs and bed units for passenger rest. Key Features: The entire lounge is fully air-conditioned and includes modern amenities such as cozy sofas, newspapers and magazines, Wi-Fi connectivity, music and television, toilets, showers, makeup mirrors, hand dryers, and wash-and-change facilities. Entry Charges & Refundable Deposit: Executive Lounge: Rs 50 per person per hour. A complimentary welcome drink (tea/coffee) is offered to every guest. VIP Lounge: Rs 100 per person per hour. It includes upgraded facilities such as recliners, snacks (samosa/vada), and recreational game activities. Optional Premium Services (Chargeable): Additional services like luggage handling, print/scan services, wash and change, access to conference and meeting areas, travel accessories, and regular/special buffet options are available to meet the diverse needs of travelers. This newly inaugurated lounge not only enriches the passenger experience at Bhopal Station but also marks a proud milestone for the entire West Central Railway zone. Initiatives like these serve as a cornerstone in providing convenient, secure, and pleasant journeys to passengers. |