IRCTC Big Update! Now Get Free Lounge Access at Train Stations Just Like Airports under Railway Lounge Access Program scheme, check eligible stations list

IRCTC Big Update! Now Get Free Lounge Access at Train Stations Just Like Airports under Railway Lounge Access Program scheme, check eligible stations list

New Delhi: IRCTC is now focusing on passenger comfort. Indian Railways has launched free lounge access at selected railway stations in the country. These railway lounges offer a good travel experience to passengers, like Airport lounges. This scheme is named as Railway Lounge Access Program.

While waiting for train arrival or departure, railway passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, smartphone charging points, washrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments at IRCTC lounges.

IRCTC Executive Lounge

IRCTC has launched Executive Lounge is one of its class fully air-conditioned facility where railway passengers can stay while waiting for their trains. Passengers will get Airport-lounge-like facilities here.

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Some lounge facilities are: Resting Suite, Regular Sofa Sitting, Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, Hi-Tea(Snacks), Buffet Dinner, Shower and Change. Free Wifi, Newspaper & magazine. Package food service is also available at IRCTC lounges.

Charge at the IRCTC Lounges

Passengers having AC class tickets can now avail of complimentary lounge services at major railway stations across India. This initiative is taken by IRCTC as a part of Indian Railways’ effort to provide a good train travel experience to all the passengers.

According to reports, first one to two hours, lounge access is free with the entry fees before the scheduled departure of trains. After this period, passengers may continue using the lounge on a paid basis.

The usual entry charges at IRCTC executive lounges are between Rs. 100-200m which can vary from station to station. And for every additional hour of use, a nominal charge of Rs. 50-100 will be applicable.

Food service is available between a price of Rs. 150 to Rs. 400. An estimated buffet food cost is mentioned below for passengers:

• Buffet Breakfast Veg. :- Rs.250/-
• Buffet Breakfast N. Veg. :- Rs 300/-
• Buffet Lunch Veg. :- Rs 325/-
• Buffet Lunch N. Veg. :- Rs 385/-
• Buffet Dinner Veg. :- Rs 325/-
• Buffet Dinner N. Veg. :- Rs 385/-
• Hi-Tea (Snacks) :- Rs.250/-

IRCTC Lounge Enabled Stations

At present IRCTC Executive Lounge are available at the following stations:

• Agra Cantt Railway Station
• Ahmedabad Railway Station
• Bhagalpur Railway Station
• CSMT Mumbai
• Jaipur Jn Railway Station
• Kolkata Railway Station
• Madurai Railway Station
• New Delhi Railway Station
• Salem Junction Railway Station
• Thivim Railway Station
• Vijayawada Railway Station
• Visakhapatnam Railway Station

How to Avail IRCTC Executive Lounge Facility?

Railway Lounge facility is available for passengers traveling in 1st AC, Executive Class, or IRCTC co-branded credit card users. However, passengers can access train station lounges via IRCTC SmartUp offers, credit card offers, or pre-booking via IRCTC’s official website or app.

Credit Card and Complimentary Railway Lounge Visits per Quarter:

Credit Card	Complimentary Railway Lounge Visits/Quarter
All IDFC First Bank Credit Cards	4
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card	1
IRCTC SBI Card Premier	2
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card	1
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card	1
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card	1
ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card	2
AU Bank Zenith Credit Card	2
AU Bank Vetta Credit Card	2
AU Bank Altura Credit Card	2
AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card	2

If you have any of the above credit cards, you can get IRCTC lounge access completely free, plus you will get unlimited buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner along with tea & snacks

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Overall, it is a good initiative by Indian Railways & IRCTC to make the train journey more comfortable for passengers. Passengers are happy with the railway lounge facilities.