Central Railway Commissions Relax Zone At CSMT To Enhance Passenger Comfort, Boost Non-Fare Revenue

Mumbai, January 15:
In a move aimed at improving passenger convenience while expanding non-fare revenue streams, Central Railway has commissioned a new Relax Zone at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of India’s busiest railway hubs. The facility introduces automated massage chairs, offering travellers a quick and affordable way to unwind before or after their journeys.

A new comfort-focused amenity at a historic terminal

CSMT handles millions of long-distance and suburban passengers every month, making it a high-pressure transit point where travel fatigue is common. The newly launched Relax Zone has been designed to address this challenge by providing short-duration rest options within the station premises.

Managed by Quick Rest, the facility features full-body automated massage chairs equipped with advanced technology. According to railway officials, the service allows passengers to take brief rejuvenation breaks without leaving the station or disrupting their travel schedules.

Massage sessions are available at prices starting from ₹99, ensuring affordability for a broad cross-section of travellers, including daily commuters, long-distance passengers, and senior citizens.

Focus on hygiene, safety, and quick access

Central Railway officials said the Relax Zone has been planned with strict attention to hygiene and passenger safety. The area includes designated seating, controlled access, and regular cleaning protocols to maintain cleanliness in a high-footfall environment.

The massage chairs are automated and contact-based, allowing quick turnover between users. This setup ensures that passengers can avail the service efficiently, even during peak hours, without creating congestion or affecting movement within the station.

“The idea is to offer comfort without compromising station operations. These are short, easy-to-use sessions meant for passengers who need a quick break from travel fatigue,” a railway official said.

Addressing travel fatigue in a busy urban network

Mumbai’s suburban and long-distance rail network is among the most heavily used in the country. For many passengers, journeys involve long waiting periods, overnight travel, or extended commutes. Officials noted that facilities like the Relax Zone are particularly beneficial for such travellers.

“The initiative is aimed at addressing travel-related fatigue, especially for passengers passing through one of the busiest terminals in the country,” an official explained, adding that the service is expected to be especially popular among long-distance travellers and transit passengers.

Part of Central Railway’s non-fare revenue strategy

Beyond passenger comfort, the Relax Zone forms part of Central Railway’s broader non-fare revenue strategy. Indian Railways has been steadily expanding commercial services at stations to supplement traditional ticket-based earnings.

Under this approach, stations are being developed as integrated service hubs, offering amenities such as food courts, retail outlets, lounges, digital services, and wellness facilities. These initiatives not only improve the passenger experience but also create sustainable revenue streams for the Railways.

“The Relax Zone is one of several commercial concepts being implemented to enhance station utility while generating additional income,” officials said.

Aligning with Indian Railways’ modernisation goals

The introduction of the Relax Zone at CSMT aligns with Indian Railways’ wider objective of upgrading station infrastructure and redefining stations as passenger-centric spaces rather than mere transit points.

The Mumbai division of Central Railway has been actively rolling out similar initiatives across major stations, focusing on convenience, accessibility, and value-added services. Officials indicated that depending on passenger response, such facilities could be extended to other high-traffic stations in the region.

“As passenger expectations evolve, stations must offer more than just basic amenities. Services like the Relax Zone reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to modernisation and customer comfort,” a senior official said.

Enhancing the travel experience

With the commissioning of the Relax Zone, Central Railway aims to set a precedent for integrating wellness-oriented services into busy transport hubs. By combining affordability, accessibility, and operational efficiency, the initiative seeks to improve the overall journey experience for millions who pass through CSMT each year.

As Indian Railways continues to focus on station redevelopment and non-fare revenue generation, passenger-focused facilities like these are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of rail travel in India.