Catch a cricket match live on a train

“We would put the project on a pilot scale on a single coach of Kalka Shatabdi express to begin with from March 1 to examine its outcome,” said a top Railway official.

If the pilot project proves successful,Railways will float expression of interest inviting the vendors,the official said.

The privileged lot watching the programmes would be those travelling in executive class,where the TV monitors would be fixed behind the seat,providing them a veritable in-flight type of experience,he said.

The official,however,refused to disclose the investment pattern for the venture,though he made it clear that Railways would stay away from any investment commitments.

“The best financial model is being worked which would also suit the vendor offering the entertainment service,” he said,adding that one of the sources of revenue generation for them could also be through advertisements.

The development comes before the launch of the in-house magazine of the Indian Railways on April 16.

The magazine ‘Rail Bandhu’ would be served in these premier trains free of cost,and passengers would be encouraged to take the copy with them.

Two-third of the magazine will have content while one-third will be reserved for advertisement,providing the railways additional source of revenue generation from advertisements.

The inaugural copy will also have a message from Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.