Eastern Railway launches sleeping pods facility at Malda Town station under Amrit Bharat scheme

The Eastern Railway (ER) authorities have introduced a modern sleeping pod facility at Malda Town railway station to enhance passenger convenience, particularly for those waiting for connecting trains, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

The facility, launched through an initiative of the commercial department of the Malda railway division, has been operational since October 14 and is now available for passengers. After Bhagalpur, Malda Town is the second station to offer the service.

The sleeping pods are on the station's first floor, directly above the ticket counters on the ground floor.

“The service will be especially useful for transit passengers and those waiting for connecting trains,” said Manish Kumar Gupta, the divisional railway manager of Malda.

The facility, he said, comprises 15 double-level sleeping pod units, with a total capacity of 30 people at a time.

There are also three separate rooms for passengers seeking greater privacy and personal space.

Kartik Singh, senior divisional commercial manager of the Malda railway division of ER, said the pods are fully air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable bedding, curtains for privacy, individual LED reading lights and mobile charging ports.

“The facility also offers high-speed wi-fi connectivity, secure luggage lockers and a clean and hygienic environment. Safety arrangements, including CCTV surveillance, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety measures, have been installed in the area,” he said.

The railway authorities expect the new facility to be particularly beneficial during the festive season, when passenger numbers rise.

Passengers travelling during the Durga Puja holidays and those with long waiting periods between connecting trains are expected to benefit from the short-stay accommodations within the premises.

“The facility for short rest within the station premises will make journeys more comfortable amid the festive rush. Also, people travelling to Malda for official or personal work will also be able to use the facility to relax while waiting for their onward journeys,” the official added.