Travellers Lounges have begun operating at Ahmedabad and Sabarmati railway stations, allowing passengers to book taxis, bikes and other available vehicles from designated points inside or near the stations before continuing to their homes, offices or other destinations.
The facility is intended to address the last-mile transport gap faced by passengers after they leave trains. According to the report, it will be particularly useful for people arriving at night, passengers carrying luggage and families seeking a more organised way to arrange onward transport.
Until now, passengers often had to leave the station and search for taxis, autorickshaws or other vehicles outside the premises. This could also create uncertainty over where vehicles were available and how much a journey would cost. The Travellers Lounges are designed to provide a defined location where passengers can receive information and assistance with vehicle bookings.
Passengers reaching a lounge can enter their destination through the app of the ride provider and check the vehicles available, along with the fare details. They can then select an option and complete the booking. On-ground assistants at the lounge will help passengers who face difficulty using the app or require guidance before booking a ride.
The facility at Sabarmati railway station includes vehicle connectivity, a dedicated waiting lounge and on-ground assistance. A waiting area is also being made available as part of the service, allowing passengers to remain at a designated space while arranging onward travel.
The initiative is expected to be extended to Maninagar, Vatva and Asarva railway stations in the coming days, according to the supplied report. The expansion would place similar last-mile booking and assistance points at more stations serving Ahmedabad’s passenger network.
The launch also forms part of wider plans mentioned for Sabarmati railway station. The station is proposed to be developed as an environmentally friendly facility with an Indian Green Building Council Gold rating. A 1,300-kilowatt solar power plant has also been proposed within the station premises, with the aim of increasing the use of solar energy in railway operations.
The immediate impact of the Travellers Lounges will depend on the availability of vehicles, the clarity of fare information and how effectively the assistance desks function during peak and late-night arrival periods. The next stated milestone is the planned rollout of the facility at Maninagar, Vatva and Asarva stations.
