AC Waiting Lounge at Tatanagar Jn. Railway Station is on Platform No. 1.

I reached Tatanagar Jn. Railway Station from Saraikela to travel via SOUTH BIHAR EXP (13287) to Patna Jn.

As the train was hours late I decided to avail the services of the AC Waiting Lounge.

I was requested to submit the train ticket PNR (Passenger Name Record) number.

Upon query, details of the AC Waiting Lounge were shared as follows:

15 & 45 rupees charges per person per hour.

By paying 15 rupees per hour you may sit on a business class sofa.

By paying 45 rupees per hour you may relax on a sofa-cum-sleeping set.

There is a family room also for which one has to pay Rs. 150 per hour.

I opt for the 15 rupees per hour option.

After entering the AC Waiting Lounge I saw 4 Voltas air-conditioned installed making the waiting hall super cool.

There were 24 business-class sofa sets and 12 sofa-cum-sleeping sets.

There was a massage chair also and the charge to avail the services was Rs. 100 for a 15-minute massage.

An electronic board outside the AC Waiting Lounge displays the train running status.

Free Wi-Fi was also available.

Other than the above said facilities there is a small outlet outside the AC Waiting Lounge where packed foods & drinks are available on M.R.P.

I had a cup of hot coffee.

In short, I found the AC Waiting Lounge comfortable – the best for resting & relaxing, safe, less crowded, cool, clean, and excellent for waiting before catching the train for individual destinations.

The toilet I did not use. Can’t say about its cleanliness but the hygienic washroom was mentioned on the facilities list.

The AC Waiting Lounge experience was amazing. I loved the idea of having an AC waiting lounge at a railway station.

In short: Affordable prices, hygiene, and cleanliness at par, all under one roof – open 24×7. It’s worth all the money.

Any bona fide railway passenger with a PNR or Aadhaar Card can rest at the AC Waiting Lounge.

These lounges enhanced passenger’s rail travel experience. A hidden gem.

A great initiative by the railways. Thank you Indian Railways.