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    Sumitra Mahajan unhappy with Railways' plan to start massage service in trains

    Synopsis

    Former Lok Sabha Speaker asked if it’s appropriate to provide such services on running trains, especially in the presence of women.

    Sumitra Mahajan (File Photo)
    (This story originally appeared in on Jun 15, 2019)
    Days after the railways announced head, neck and foot massages for passengers of 39 trains departing from Indore station, former speaker and former BJP MP Sumitra Mahajan has questioned the move. Mahajan has written to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, saying it’s against the Indian culture to offer such services in front of women passengers. On Thursday, the newly elected BJP MP from Indore, Shankar Lalwani, had also questioned the move, terming it as “standardless”. Both Mahajan and Lalwani have expressed reservations on the move.

    As first reported by Mumbai Mirror last week, the massage services fall in three categories – Gold (Rs 100, with non-sticky oil), Diamond (Rs 200, with oil wipes) and Platinum (Rs 300, with argan oil, cream and wipes). According to Western Railway, this would generate annual revenue of Rs 20 lakh. Ratlam Railway Divisional Manager (DRM) RN Sunkar clarified that under the plan passengers would not get a full body massage. “Only head and foot massage will be provided. The service will be offered between 6 am and 10 pm,” he said.

    Mahajan, however, asked if it’s appropriate to provide such services on running trains, especially in the presence of women. Lalwani also said, “In my opinion, it would be better to make available essential medical facilities and doctors to passengers during the rail travel. Providing this kind of standardless service does not serve any purpose.” He said that members of some local women’s organisations and social bodies met him recently to express their objections.

    “People are of the view that massage services can be provided on board the trains going to tourist places. But the railway authorities should do a rethink about providing this facility to the general passenger trains,” the BJP leader said.

    “We will examine all the aspects before launching the facility. We will ensure that it does not cause any inconvenience and makes passengers uncomfortable,” the DRM clarified.

    The railways have signed a deal with an Indore-based private agency, Calipso Salon to offer this facility. Speaking to Mirror, Calipso founder Gaurav Rana said, “This service will begin from August 2019. We have a decent team in place to offer this service. Both men and women are part of the team and we are ready to start a service for women as well, if there’s a demand.” Rana said that the salon has been conducting business without complaints for the past four years and all personnel are recruited after thorough police verification.


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