New Delhi : Surfing the Internet, making basic phone calls and watching cable TV on moving trains will soon be a reality. Railtel, the broadband subsidary of Indian Railways, will set up kiosks along with private entreprenuers at different stations.

Railway minister, Mr. Lalu Prasad said Railtel would exploit its vast optical fibre network to provide broadband services such as Internet, Voice Telephony, cableTV, STD facilities in urban as rural areas.

"Once Railtel's OFC network capacity is increased by June 2005, its revenue earning capability would increase beyond expectations," the minister said.

During the current financial year, Railtel has completed connectivity of four metros and four mini-metros. At present, the network provides connectivity to 180 important cities and 1,750 other railway stations.