The Indian Railways has accomplished the significant milestone of deploying free public Wi-Fi across 5500 stations throughout the country. This initiative, which utilizes the brand name ‘RailWire,’ ranks as one of the most extensive Wi-Fi networks across the globe.
Indian Railways’ Key Collaborations
In the pursuit of digital inclusion, the Indian Railways mandated RailTel, a coveted Miniratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) beneath the Ministry of Railways, with this massive responsibility. This undertaking began in January 2016 from the Mumbai Central station.
For the successful implementation of this project, RailTel forged strategic alliances with several influential corporations. Google, Tata Trust, and the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) were all roped in for this transformative project. In addition to these collaborations, the Universal Service Obligation Fund under the Department of Telecommunications also contributed funding to support the project.
Table of Facts
| Title | Sources |
|---|---|
| Public Wi-Fi at Stations | 5500 |
| Project Start Date | January 2016 |
| First Station with Free Wi-Fi | Mumbai Central Station |
| Partners | Google, Tata Trust, PGCIL |
| Funding Source | Universal Service Obligation Fund (Department of Telecommunications) |
The Impact and Significance of RailWire
The deployment of public Wi-Fi across numerous stations has profound implications for digital literacy and accessibility. One of the critical objectives of the initiative is to bridge the digital divide that exists between rural and urban India.
The impact of RailWire extends beyond mere access to the internet. Students waiting for trains can now utilize this time to download essential study materials, thereby enhancing their knowledge and improving their academic performance. Vendors at these stations can use this service to complete digital payment transactions, furthering the Government’s objective of encouraging a digital economy.
In addition to these benefits, everyday passengers can utilize their waiting time more productively by learning new skills or simply surfing the net. RailWire, thus, promotes the concept of lifelong learning and ensures that people from all walks of life get an equal opportunity to access the digital world.
Providing free public Wi-Fi at such a massive scale is a significant stride towards digital inclusion. The RailWire initiative showcases how fundamental technology has become in bridging social and economic divides. With continuing efforts and strategic collaborations, it can provide nationwide access to knowledge and digital literacy.
Source: PIB
