Google to offer free WiFi in train stations across India by end of 2016

At the Google for India event in New Delhi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai talked about Google's plans to support the Digital India initiative. He also said that Google will be working with Indian Railways to provide free WiFi services in train stations.

For this, Google has partnered with PSU RailTel to implement WiFi facilities at railway station India, using RailTel's fibre optic network backbone that connects the stations themselves. The search giant is currently running a pilot project in Mumbai Central station that will go online in January 2016, followed by 100 stations operational by end of 2016, connecting more than 10 million people who pass through every day.

Pichai also announced that Google is exploring ways to bring Project Loon to India. The idea behind the project is to bring internet facilities to hard-to-access rural areas via hot air balloons. The project is currently awaiting clearance from ministries.

Lastly, Pichai also mentioned a partnership with Tata Trust to roll out bicycles to 1,000 villages across three states, to teach women about Internet. People trained by Google will be riding the bicycles which is equipped with Internet connected device, and offer to educate women how they can benefit from the use of Internet.