Mumbai, October 17: The Indian Railways has introduced a service that will let passengers read free books on trains. The 'Library on Wheels' service was launched in Maharashtra on October 15 to mark the birth anniversary of former president APJ Abdul Kalam. For now, passengers of the Deccan Queen and Panchavati Express will get access to various books free of cost.

A person will move from coach to coach with a trolly filled with books. Passengers of the Deccan Queen and Panchavati Express can pick a book against their seat number and PNR number. They will have to return the book before they get off the train at their destinations. Passengers will not be charged for the facility. Indian Railways May Do Away With Curtains in Two Tier AC Coaches as Passengers Use Drapes to Wipe Hands.

"It will be beneficial for people who love to read. We shall be introducing more books in English and Hindi as well," Vinod Tawde, state education minister who inaugurated the 'Library On Wheels' service, told DNA. “This is an excellent way to help over 100 daily passengers to use their time meaningfully.” Sanjay Ketkar, a daily commuter from Nashik to Mumbai, told TOI.

The 'Library On Wheels' was inaugurated in Deccan Queen which travels between Mumbai and Pune. The Panchavati Express is a Manmad-bound train from Mumbai.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2018 01:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).