New Delhi: Indian Railways has installed free WiFi network at nearly 15 railways stations in Kashmir, including Srinagar today.
“Public Wi-Fi, provided under the brand name of RailWire, is available at 15 stations (Baramula, Hamre, Pattan, Mazhom, Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Avantipura, Panzgam, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Sadura, Qazigund, Banihal) of UT of Kashmir which are spread out in four District HQs – Srinagar, Budgaon, Banihal & Qazigund,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.
Around 6021 stations are live with RailTel’s RailWire Wi-Fi across the country, this is one of the largest integrated wi-fi networks in the world, it said.
“Wi-Fi plays a significant role in connecting the people, and is bridging the digital divide between rural and urban India at a rapid pace,” said Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industries and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
“Today, On World Wi-Fi Day, I am delighted to announce that Srinagar and 14 stations of the Kashmir Valley have become a part of one the largest integrated public Wi-Fi network in the world connecting 6000+ stations across the country,” he said while addressing an event.
With this, all the stations of Valley now have public Wi-Fi. It is a crucial step for Digital India mission and will go a long way in connecting the unconnected. I convey my appreciation to the team Indian Railways and RailTel, which has worked tirelessly to achieve this remarkable feat, he added.
Wi-fi was already available at 15 stations in the Union Territory of Jammu -Kathua, Budhi, Chhan Arorian, Hira Nagar, Ghagwal, Samba, Vijaypur, Bari Brahman, Jammu Tawi, Bajalta, Sangar, Manwal, Ram Nagar, the Ministry said.
RailTel was entrusted by the Ministry of Railways to provide public Wi-Fi at all the Railway stations. The vision was to convert the Railway platform into a platform for digital inclusion.
Designed to offer users the best internet experience, Wi-Fi at Railway stations will be available to any user who has a smartphone with working mobile connection for KYC considerations, it added.
Commending Indian Railways for achieving this commendable feat, Jitendra Singh, MoS(IC) DONER,MoS, PMO,DOAE, DOS, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pension said, “ Today Wi-Fi is playing an important role in connecting communities & spurring innovative solutions to help bridge the digital divide.”
