Long-distance overnight train journeys may now become a lot more comfortable with Railways all set to roll out ‘e-bedroll’ service from Thiruvananthapuram Central, Chennai and Bengaluru railway stations from Sunday.
To be made available through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), passengers having a valid PNR can book bedroll kits on www.irctctourism.com. The IRCTC outlets at these stations will also sell them.
For those who book online, the bedroll will be provided on their seat/berth. Passengers can choose from two variants and they will be allowed to book only two, one each from each variant. They can take the bedrolls home after the journey.
The variant one bedroll kit costing Rs.140 will consist of a bed sheet top, bed sheet bottom, pillow and non-woven fabric pack.
The second variant will cost Rs.110 and consists of a travel blanket and a non-woven fabric pack.
The service, on a pilot basis in three stations, will be launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu through video conferencing on Sunday.
The ‘e-bedroll’ facility has been launched by Railways based on findings of a survey carried out by the IRCTC and it will be extended to more stations based on feedback.
A toll-free number 1323 will be operational to provide information about the services to the passengers. In the stations, the service will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
