Next time you have a train to catch from Howrah station and reach early, you can enjoy the comforts of the newly opened Executive Lounge. Eastern Railway inaugurated the Executive Lounge in the old complex of Howrah railway station on July 1. My Kolkata takes you on a pictorial tour of the swanky lounge.
Entrance and reception area
The Executive Lounge promises the comforts of an airport lounge. As one enters through the glass door, a security personnel guides the passenger to the reception area. For a nominal fee of Rs 50 an hour, passengers can spend time in the cool new lounge.
Reception area Amit Datta
Waiting area
The air-conditioned waiting area of 268 square metres has comfortable sofas. The upholstery has a soft, velvet finish that not only looks good but also makes the seating area comfortable. The waiting area has a television and a screen displaying the train schedule. If your phone, laptop or any other digital device runs out of charge, worry not. There are ample charging points in the lounge. Waste bins have been placed at various points to keep the lounge clean. Toilets and a baby care room are also available.
Waiting area Amit Datta
Food court
The lounge houses a food court that offers snacks and beverages to waiting passengers. Mio Amore, Jalajog and Kwality Walls have set up stalls at present. Fresh fruit juice, cold drinks, coffee and tea are also available at the food court. The food court will remain open 24x7 in a few days.
Food court Amit Datta
Dormitory and deluxe rooms
The lounge will also have a five-bed dormitory and four deluxe rooms but these are yet to be opened. The rooms will be air-conditioned and have a laptop station, separate toilets with individual bathrooms for men and women. The tariff will soon be announced by the Eastern Railway.
Room under construction Eastern Railway Facebook page
Conference room
A separate glass enclosure within the lounge has been designated as a conference room. Passengers traveling on business can hold meetings here. The room is furnished with a small centre table and three two-seater sofas. The glass doors are soundproof.
Conference room Eastern Railway Facebook page
Smart look
The Executive Lounge is part of the British-era station complex but its modern interiors have been designed by Spacekrafters Architects and Interior Designers. The lounge has a checkered flooring and is painted in serene teal and salmon pink. A pretty chandelier hangs from the ceiling of the waiting area, making the place well-lit. Antique-style lamps on the mezzanine floor add to the stylish look. The wooden stairway to the mezzanine floor recreates a vintage look.
View of the lounge from the mezzanine floor. Amit Datta