October 24 2021: IRCTC  is all set to bring the Japanese  concept of pod hotels to India.
Also known as capsule hotels, this consists of a large number of small bed-sized rooms known as capsules, about 6 feet by 8 feet, and  fitted with bed,  TV, small locker, mirror, adjustable air conditioner and air filter vents, reading lights , interior light, mobile charging, smoke detectors, and Do Not Disturb indicators.
Common facilities include  free Wi-Fi, Luggage room, toiletries, shower rooms, washrooms.
IRCTC has awarded the contract to Urban Pod Pvt Ltd to set-up, 0perate and manage the POD Retiring Rooms for 9 years on the first floor of Station Building at Mumbai Central Railway Station. The POD rooms will be spread over an area of approx. 3000 sq. ft. with a mezzanine floor
The facility will have a total Pod inventory of 48, comprising namely 30 Classic Pods, 7 Ladies only, 10 Private Pods and One for Differently Abled as well. While the Classic Pods and Ladies only Pods will comfortablly fit One guest, the Private Pod will also have a private space within the room, and the Room for differently abled will comfortably fit 2 guests with space for free movement of Wheelchair.
The tariff will be around Rs. 999 for 12 hours per person and upto Rs. 1999 for 24 Hours and so on.
Central Railway is also planning to set up 32 sleeping pods at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and 48 pods at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT).