Western Railway Drops Proposal to Offer 'Head and Foot' Massage on Trains Originating from Indore

New Delhi, June 15: The Western Railway on Saturday decided to withdraw its plan of providing 'head, neck and foot' massage to the passengers from the train originating from Madhya Pradesh's Indore. Ravinder Bhakar, Western Railway spokesperson, said that the massage service was initiated by the Ratlam Division. Head And Foot Massage For Rail Passengers: Indian Railways to Offer Massage Service Onboard in 39 Trains.

"As soon as it came to the notice of the higher authorities, it has been decided to withdraw this proposal of starting massage services on trains," Bhakar said. In a press release, WR said that they will now consider other suggestion and representations made for improving passenger amenities. Massage Services On Trains: Indore BJP MP Shankar Lalwani Says It's 'Standardless' Against 'Indian Culture', Writes to Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

Tweet by Western Railway:

"Western Railway respects the suggestions given by its consumers and their appropriate suggestions are also implemented from time to time," the press release read. The Western Railway also said that they "appreciate positive suggestions of public representatives, railway consumers, and the public at large."

The plan of introducing massage came under criticism, with Indore Lok Sabha Member Shankar Lalwani writing to Union Railway minister Piyush Goyal, saying it is against Indian culture to offer these services in front of women.

"Is providing these kinds of services in front of women in accordance with the principles of Indian culture? Providing passengers medical aid, doctors are important for the railways not these standardless services in my opinion," Lalwani said in a letter dated June 10.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2019 09:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).