Digital Cloakroom at Railway Station

With rapid digitalisation transforming public transport in India, Indian Railways has been steadily upgrading passenger amenities at railway stations. One such modern facility gaining popularity is the digital cloakroom at railway station, also known as digital luggage lockers.

Traditional cloakrooms often involve long queues, manual handling, limited hours, and concerns around security. Digital cloakrooms overcome these challenges by offering smart, self-service, secure, and cashless luggage storage solutions, aligned with the Government of India’s Digital India initiative.

This article explains everything passengers need to know about digital cloakrooms at railway stations—how they work, benefits, pricing, security, operators, availability, and FAQs.

What Is a Digital Cloakroom at a Railway Station?

A digital cloakroom is a technology-enabled luggage storage facility where passengers can securely store their belongings using self-operated smart lockers.

Unlike conventional cloakrooms that rely on staff and physical keys, digital cloakrooms use:

• Digital locks
• OTP / QR-based access
• IoT-enabled locker systems
• Cashless payment methods
• Automated monitoring

These facilities are usually available 24×7 and are designed for short-term luggage storage at busy railway stations.

How Digital Cloakrooms at Station Work

Using a digital cloakroom at a railway station is simple:

1. Locate the nearest digital locker facility at the station
2. Choose locker size (small / medium / large / XL)
3. Place luggage inside the allotted locker
4. Lock using OTP or QR-based digital access
5. Pay using UPI, debit card, credit card, or other digital modes
6. Retrieve luggage anytime using the same OTP / QR

Passengers can pre-book lockers or walk in, depending on availability.

Who Operates Digital Cloakrooms at Railway Stations?

Digital cloakrooms in India are operated under two models:

1. Indian Railways / Zonal Railway Managed

Some digital luggage lockers are introduced and managed directly by Indian Railways or zonal railways as part of station redevelopment and Digital India initiatives.

2. Private Vendors Authorised by Railways

Many stations have private service providers operating digital lockers under PPP (Public-Private Partnership) or licensing models, with permission from Indian Railways.
The vendor handles installation, operations, and maintenance, while railways earn through licence fees or revenue sharing.

Important: Both models are official and authorised. Passengers can safely use these facilities.

Key Features of Digital Cloakroom at Railway Station

🔹 Smart

• IoT-enabled digital locks
• Automated self-service kiosks
• No physical keys or paper slips

🔹 Safe

• Sturdy locker structures
• Digital access control
• Surveillance and audit trails

🔹 Private

• Fully self-service usage
• No staff handling of luggage
• Complete user privacy

🔹 Insured

• Luggage stored in digital lockers is insured
• Protection available against breakage, loss, or theft (subject to terms)

🔹 Eco-Friendly

• 100% paperless process
• Completely cashless transactions

🔹 Secure Verification

• Digital ID verification
• OTP / QR-based locker access

Charges for Digital Cloakroom at Railway Stations

Locker charges depend on locker size, duration, and station location. Typical pricing slabs include:

• ₹40 for first 3 hours
• ₹80 for 6 hours
• ₹150 per day (medium locker)
• Up to ₹340 per day (XL locker)

Additional charges may apply if storage duration exceeds the selected slab.

Prices and slabs may vary from station to station.

Maximum Duration for Storing Luggage

Digital cloakrooms are designed mainly for short-term storage.

Common options include:

• 3 hours
• 6 hours
• 8 hours
• 12 hours
• Daily rentals

If luggage is not collected within a specified period (usually up to 3 days) without prior intimation, it may be vacated as per standard safety protocols.

Benefits of Digital Cloakroom at Railway Station

• ✔️ 24×7 availability
• ✔️ Faster, queue-free experience
• ✔️ High security and digital tracking
• ✔️ Cashless & transparent payments
• ✔️ Ideal for tourists and transit passengers
• ✔️ Supports Digital India & smart stations

Read Also : Railway Luggage Rule 2025

Difference Between Traditional Cloakroom and Digital Cloakroom

Note for Passengers (Important)

• Locker availability is subject to real-time demand
• Prices and duration slabs vary by station
• Always retain OTP / QR code until luggage retrieval
• Do not store prohibited or hazardous items

• Luggage Rules in Indian Railways
• Passenger Amenities at Railway Stations

Digital Cloakroom Facility at Major Railway Stations

Digital luggage lockers are available or being expanded at several major railway stations across India, including metro cities and important junctions.

Availability of digital cloakroom or luggage locker facilities may vary by railway station within each city. These services are operated by authorised private vendors in coordination with Indian Railways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ What is a digital cloakroom at a railway station?

A digital cloakroom is a smart luggage storage facility using self-operated digital lockers with OTP/QR access and cashless payments.

❓ Is digital cloakroom available 24×7?

Yes, most digital cloakrooms operate round the clock.

❓ Who operates digital luggage lockers at stations?

They are operated either by Indian Railways or authorised private vendors under PPP or licensing models.

❓ Are digital lockers safe for luggage?

Yes. Digital lockers offer high security, surveillance, and insured storage (subject to terms).

❓ Can I store luggage for multiple days?

Yes, daily rentals are available, but digital cloakrooms are mainly for short-term storage.

❓ What payment modes are accepted?

UPI, debit cards, credit cards, and other digital payment options.

Conclusion

The digital cloakroom at railway station is a major step towards modern, passenger-friendly, and secure rail travel in India. By combining technology, security, and convenience, digital luggage lockers allow passengers to travel light and explore freely without worrying about their belongings.

As Indian Railways continues to modernise stations, digital cloakrooms are set to become a standard facility nationwide.