Bhopal Railway Station is all set to unveil the first pod hotel in the city, marking a significant step in enhancing passenger experience. The much-anticipated facility, designed to offer a comfortable, affordable stay for passengers, will be inaugurated in the first week of April.
Located on platform number 6, the pod hotel features 58 single pods and 20 family pods, catering to both solo travellers and families. Each pod is designed to provide a compact, yet highly comfortable space, complete with modern amenities such as beds, lockers, TVs, Wi-Fi, USB ports, blankets, and pillows. For those seeking additional comfort, the hotel also includes a common lounge, washrooms, and a cafeteria, ensuring that passengers can rest and refresh while waiting for their trains.
Originally developed in Japan, pod hotels offer affordable, high-tech accommodation in compact, capsule-like units. Perfect for short stays, these hotels are designed to maximise comfort and privacy without taking up much space. Though small in size, each pod offers the facilities of larger hotel rooms, providing a convenient and budget-friendly option for travellers. The new pod hotel in Bhopal is part of a growing trend in India, following the introduction of the first pod hotel at Mumbai Central Station in 2021.
Reservations for the pod hotel will be available online through the IRCTC website as well as offline. To secure a pod, passengers will need to provide a PNR number for booking. The pricing for the single AC pods is expected to range from Rs 200 for the lowest duration (1 hour) to Rs 1000 for the maximum duration (24 hours).
For family pods, the prices will range from Rs 1000 for a 6-hour stay to Rs 2100 for a full 24-hour stay. These affordable rates make the pod hotel an attractive option for passengers needing a comfortable place to rest during their travels.
Bhopal Railway Station accommodates 40,000 to 45,000 passengers daily, more than 230 trains pass through each day.