Mumbai: Central Railway launches pod hotel services at CSMT at cheaper rates

Mumbai: Central Railway passengers can now avail of modern resting facilities at comparatively cheaper rates at CSMT. The Central Railway (CR) launched a pod hotel service at the terminus on Friday under a non-fare revenue scheme. Bookings have already begun. On Friday, eight pods (including one family pod) were booked only until 8 pm.

A pod hotel has several small bed-sized capsules and provides affordable overnight accommodation. This is the second such facility (1st pod hotel of the city's railway station started at Mumbai Central in November 2021) undertaken in Mumbai.

When asked about the rates, a CR senior official said, “The contractor will be implementing a dynamic pricing policy. The rates range from Rs 499 for a single pod, Rs 999 for a double bed pod, and Rs 1,500 for a family pod, respectively, for 12 hours, which might increase according to availability of pods.”

“After 50 per cent occupancy, the booking amount will increase by Rs 100, which will further increase as per demand,” said the operator of CSMT pod hotel, which has 30 single pods (including eight reserved for women), six double bed pods, and four family pods. Each family pod section is meant for two persons.

“This facility will prove to be a game-changer, especially for those on business trips. The concept will best suit frequent travellers, single travellers, corporate executives and study groups, etc,” said a CR official.