Indian Railways deployed special cooling lounges at major stations across western corridors on May 31, installing high-capacity water coolers and medical response desks to protect passengers during extreme summer travel.
The initiative targets hubs experiencing surging footfall as holidaymakers and migrant workers transit through heat-affected states. Station managers received instructions to keep lounge areas operational around the clock with adequate seating and ventilation.
Medical desks staffed by trained personnel will monitor travelers for heat exhaustion symptoms and facilitate referrals to nearby clinics when necessary. Railways officials coordinated with state health departments to stock oral rehydration supplies at priority counters.
The cooling lounges complement existing announcements urging passengers to carry water bottles and avoid unnecessary platform exposure during peak afternoon hours. Signage in regional languages explains heatstroke warning signs and emergency contact numbers.
Transport analysts said the measure addresses recurring complaints about inadequate shelter infrastructure at large terminuses during seasonal spikes. Railways pledged to evaluate lounge performance metrics before considering expansion to additional zones.
Passenger feedback mechanisms installed at lounge exits recorded high satisfaction scores for water cooler availability though some travelers requested expanded seating during overnight layovers. Railways indicated permanent cooling infrastructure upgrades may follow if seasonal deployment proves cost-effective.
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Sources:
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-deploys-cooling-lounges-western-stations-11780186026001.html