RailTel, one of the premier PSUs of the Ministry of Railway, has launched Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme based on access to its Public WiFi services across 100 railway stations in 22 states. At present, it has launched the PM-WANI services across 100 railway stations which have 2384 Wi-Fi hotspots in 22 states. Among these 100 railway stations, 71 fall under the categories of A1 and A while 29 stations come under other categories of railways.
In a further upgradation of passenger-friendly facilities at railway premises this public-friendly service was virtually launched by RailTel chairman and managing director Puneet Chawla. C-DOT chairman and executive director Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay was also present on the occasion.
PM-WANI is an ambitious program of the Department of Telecom (DoT) to connect all silo Wi-Fi networks for ease of use and proliferate broadband usage for the masses. To access this WiFi network, presently android based Mobile App named ‘Wi-DOT’ can be used, which is available on Google Play Store. The app was created in close collaboration with C-DOT.
PM-WANI-based access will make it easier to use WANI-based Public WiFi by allowing one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) to bypass one-time password (OTP) based authentication, every time one tries to use WANI based Public WiFi.
“RailTel being the most widespread integrated Wi-Fi network of the country supporting the largest footfall of Wi-Fi users, is taking an anchor role in entire PM-WANI eco-system, by continuous engagement with regulatory bodies and industry players, to enhance evolving framework”, CMD Puneet Chawla said during the launch event of the public friendly service.
He further added, “The RailTel will extend its WiFi footprints beyond Rly Stations by leveraging its partnership with more than 7,000 last-mile service providers to establish Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas. RailTel is also making a continuous effort in providing broadband internet connectivity to more and more rural areas as part of the digital India mission.”
C-DOT chairman Rajkumar Upadhyay said, “The synergistic engagement between C-DOT and RailTel will spur innovation leading to design, development and deployment of indigenous technologies in national networks including Indian Railways. PM-WANI hotspots would prove effective in extending cost-effective Internet to passengers at rural and remote railway stations across the country.”
The government intends to extend the PM-WANI based access of RailTel’s public Wi-Fi services to all 6, 102 Railway Stations (where Wi-Fi facility is already available) in phased manner by the end of June 2022. Total 1,000 Railway Stations by 10 June, 3,000 Railway Stations by June 20 and all 6,102 Railway Stations by June 30, 2022.
