Vadodara Railway Station Launches Gujarat First Digital Lounge and Co-working Space
Vadodara, March 29. In a significant move to enhance passenger amenities, the Vadodara Division of Western Railway has developed a digital lounge and co-working space at Vadodara Railway Station. The facility was inaugurated on Saturday by Member of Parliament Dr. Hemang Joshi and Member of Legislative Assembly Keyur Rokadia. This development marks the first such facility at a railway station in Gujarat and the second across the Indian Railways network, following the one at Mumbai Central.
As per agency report, the new lounge aims to elevate the travel experience by providing modern amenities similar to those found at airports. During the inauguration, Dr. Hemang Joshi remarked that the facility reflects the vision of a developed India and offers passengers a single point for meetings, refreshments, and relaxation. He also highlighted the availability of affordable shower and washroom facilities, describing the project as a proud milestone for the city. MLA Keyur Rokadia noted that the station is beginning to offer airport-grade services and mentioned that future developments would include bullet train connectivity, advanced features, and dedicated decks for cargo.
Divisional Railway Manager Raju Bhadke stated that under the guidance of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, efforts are ongoing to transform Vadodara into a world-class station. He emphasized that the digital lounge, designed around the theme of a banyan tree, was planned under the Non-Fare Revenue initiative to maintain high standards of cleanliness and service. The DRM further explained that Vadodara serves as a major commercial and industrial hub, as well as a gateway for tourists visiting Ekta Nagar and various religious sites. Over the next 18 months, the station is expected to see further improvements, including the construction of four new foot overbridges, enhanced facilities for persons with disabilities, and high-speed rail connectivity.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Narendra Kumar provided details on the technical offerings of the lounge, which include high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workstations, charging points, and conference rooms. Passengers can also access printing, scanning, and photocopying services alongside a variety of snacks and beverages. The facility will operate 24x7 and features flexible usage plans, such as hourly rates, short-term seating, and extended packages. To ensure a comfortable and secure environment, the lounge is equipped with recliner seating, real-time train information displays, CCTV surveillance, controlled entry, and a cashless payment system. This initiative is expected to provide a productive and modern travel experience, setting a new benchmark for passenger-centric services in the region.
