New Delhi May 10 (Representative) To bridge the digital divide, RailTel, a PSU under the Railway Ministry, on Monday launched the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme based on access to its Public WiFi services across 100 stations. “It is a pilot project having 2384 hotspots, spreading over 22 states, which include 71 Category A1, A stations, and 29 stations of other categories,” said the statement. Later, the Wi-Fi services would be extended to all 6102 Railway Stations in phases by the end of June 2022. To access this WiFi network, presently android based Mobile App named ‘Wi-DOT’ can be used which is available on Google Play Store. PM-WANI is an ambitious program of the Department of Telecom, Government of India to connect all silo Wi-Fi networks for ease of use and proliferate broadband usage for the masses. “PM-WANI based access will facilitate ease of use through one time Know Your Customer (KYC) OTP based authentication, every time one tries to use WANI based Public WiFi.
The soft launch of these “public friendly services” was done by Puneet Chawla, Chairman and Managing Director, RailTel at a program held here. Talking about the launch of the scheme, Chawla said, “RailTel being the most widespread integrated Wi-Fi network of the country supporting the largest footfall of Wi-Fi users is taking an anchor role in the entire PM-WANI eco-system, by continuous engagement with regulatory bodies and industry players, to enhance the evolving framework. RailTel will extend its WiFi footprints beyond Rly Stations by leveraging its partnership with more than 7000.” “Last-mile service providers to establish Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas. RailTel is also making a continuous effort in providing broadband internet connectivity to more and more rural areas as part of digital India mission” he added.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, Executive Director and Chairman board C-DOT underscored the key role of indigenously designed and developed technologies in meeting the specific requirements of the diverse geography of India including rural and remote areas. He stressed the synergistic engagement between C-DOT and RailTel that will spur innovation leading to design, development,upon and deployment of indigenous technologies in national networks including Indian Railways. “RailTel’s WiFi network is now spread across 6102 Rly Stations across India has 17, 792 WiFi hotspots, and is still growing,” he said. PM-WANI is an ambitious program of the Department of Telecom, to facilitate ease of use and proliferate broadband usage for the masses C-DOT has designed and developed the framework of PM-WANI.