(a) whether the Union Government is aware of the fact that Google has recently made an announcement that it is shutting down its free Wi-Fi programmes in 400 railway stations across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the alternative steps being taken in this regard to work with other partners to continue the existing facilities in future; and
(d) the funds sanctioned and spent in this regard during the last five years, zone/year-wise?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (c) RailTel Corporation of India Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under Ministry of Railways has partnered with various organizations including Google to provide free Wi-Fi services at Railway Stations so as to create digital inclusion platform. Google, in partnership with RailTel, has provided Wi-Fi services at 416 Railway Stations and they will maintain the same upto 29th May 2020, as per the agreement with RailTel. After the exit of Google, RailTel shall
continue to maintain and provide free Wi-Fi services at these Railway stations.
(d) No separate funds have been sanctioned by Indian Railways for this purpose. Wi-Fi services have been provided at 198 rural stations by RailTel under an agreement with Ministry of Communications under Universal Service obligation Fund (USOF). For these 198 rural stations, funds of ?27.77crore have been provided by Ministry of Communications. Wi-Fi services have been provided at another 5430 stations till 03.03.2020, in collaboration with M/s Google, M/s Tata Trusts & M/s Power Grid Corporation of India under Corporate Social Responsibility/Charity funding.
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