Goyal asks IRCTC to use rail saloons earmarked for him for commercial purpose

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday asked the IRCTC to use the two saloons earmarked for him for the commercial purpose, railway ministry sources said.

A senior railway ministry source told IANS: "As the Railway Minister has not used the two saloons earmarked for him, he in a note to the Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) asked them to be used for the commercial or emergency purposes."

The source said the note was written by the Minister on Wednesday evening.

The source said as the Minister felt that as saloons were unused, IRCTC could utilise it commercially to bring revenues to the Indian Railways. 

In March this year, the IRCTC decided to open India's first saloon coach with air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms and valet services to public. The coach earlier remained reserved only for railway officials. 

Usually the saloons are used by the railways officials for inspection and travel. 

These can accommodate two families and are built to facilitate stay for up to five days.

The saloon usually comprises two bedrooms, a lounge, pantry, toilet and a kitchen. 

According to railway ministry officials, Indian Railways has a total of 336 saloon cars across railway zones, out of which 62 are air-conditioned.