Parliament Question: Charges for Air-Conditioned Waiting Rooms at Railway Stations

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4140 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2026 CHARGES FOR AIR-CONDITIONED WAITING ROOMS AT RAILWAY STATIONS †4140. SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the valid first, second and third AC class ticket holders are entitled to use the Air conditioned waiting rooms at major railway stations free of cost while they are being charged rupees 20 per hour for staying in the said waiting rooms at several railway stations including New Delhi and Delhi junctions; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the basis, goal and concerned policy/guidelines for imposing the said charges; (c) the details of the annual revenue generated from the said waiting room and the amount spent on the maintenance and operation thereof, station-wise; (d) whether the Government proposes to provide the services of air conditioned waiting rooms free of cost or at a subsidised rate to the valid AC class ticket holders citizens, Divyangjans, women and long distance passengers; and (e) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (e) Air Conditioned (AC) and Non- AC waiting halls/ rooms at railway stations are available free of cost for all passengers having valid ticket. The valid AC class ticket holders are entitled to use the upper class air- conditioned waiting rooms at major railway stations without any charge. Page 1 of 2 §In addition to this facility, in order to provide better and upgraded passenger services, Railways have developed modern Air-Conditioned Waiting Rooms at identified stations. The usage charges of such waiting halls are nominal. Revenue earned from above is a part of Sundry Revenue also. Further, the segment-wise Revenue details is available in the Annual Statistical Statement of Indian Railways. ***** Page 2 of 2