One such lesser-known service is Railway Retiring Rooms. These can be booked using a valid ticket PNR at either the source or destination station. Bookings are available in flexible slots of 4, 8, 12, or 24 hours (up to 48 hours at a stretch), making them a practical alternative to hotels with rigid check-in/out rules. They’re economical, safe, and highly convenient for passengers in transit.
On a recent trip to Uttar Pradesh, I booked two retiring rooms at Prayagraj Junction for 36 hours. The booking process was straightforward online, but at the station, the counter staff couldn’t validate it with just the PNR. Thankfully, I had the RR number from the SMS confirmation, which helped. The staff wrote the booking details on paper for the caretaker, and we finally got access to our rooms.
The rooms were well equipped – refrigerator, fan, AC, almirah, writing table, cushioned chairs, coat stand, and bed. However, the real problem lies in cleanliness and maintenance.
- Bathroom design flaws: Water doesn't quickly flow toward drain; spilling into the room if not checked.
- Poor upkeep: Tiled floors and walls were discolored, showing absence of periodic maintenance.
- Bedsheets and mattresses: The provided sheets were faded, stained, and clearly beyond their usable life. Only after insisting did the caretaker replace them, but even the new set was worn out.
Clean bathrooms and hygienic bedding are basic expectations, especially in facilities meant for passengers arriving after long train journeys.
Broader Cleanliness Issues in Railways
The cleanliness issue is not limited to retiring rooms. Trains themselves often suffer from poor maintenance. On one Delhi–Amritsar trip, I encountered a bogie with a floor littered with food waste and four toilets in such a state that three were unusable. Overflowing, unhygienic toilets are not just unpleasant – they can lead to health issues, particularly for women who risk urinary tract infections.
Here the problem is not just with railways, but with passengers as well. Very often, passengers leave train toilets messy, spill food on floors, or misuse the facilities without a second thought. If users respected these spaces the way they would in their own homes, then the experience for everyone would improve drastically.
Why Retiring Rooms Matters
Despite the shortcomings, retiring rooms remain a cost-effective, safe, and practical option, especially:
- For travelers arriving at odd hours.
- For short stays without the hassle of hotel check-in timings.
- For passengers wanting to explore the city with bookings up to 72 hours (48 hours each with incoming and outgoing PNRs).
During my stay, I met a traveler who didn’t speak Hindi and was struggling because the lockers in the rooms had no locks. The caretaker brushed him off, saying - Railways doesn’t provide locks.” Luckily, I had a spare lock to lend him. It makes one wonder – if lockers are provided, why not add a basic lock and key system, charging passengers if misplaced? Such small improvements could go a long way.
Final Thoughts
In the hospitality business, cleanliness is non-negotiable. All the amenities in the world cannot compensate for unhygienic toilets or stained bedsheets. The good news is that these are not expensive fixes – they simply require consistency and cultural change, both from passengers and the Railways.
Retiring rooms have the potential to be a blessing for travelers if maintained well. They’re safe, affordable, and convenient – all they need is better care.
Sajeev
Note:
Not all stations have retiring rooms. Please check availability before planning your journey.
PS: During my stay, I also came across another issue: the lockers in dormitory did not have locks. A fellow traveler, who didn’t speak Hindi, was trying to explain this to the caretaker, but was brushed off with the reply - Railways doesn’t provide locks. This is a serious oversight. If lockers are installed, they should come with basic locks and keys. Misplaced locks could easily be charged to passengers at checkout. It’s a small step, but one that can greatly improve both security and peace of mind for travelers. I always keep two small locks and keys while travelling in railways (very useful if you use clock room facility). I gave my spare lock to him, which he returned the next morning.
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