Ram Singh Thakur, security guard at Diamond Garden kiosk, says about 40-50 people use it dailyIts getting easier by the day for Chemburkars to access online information thanks to the increasing number of information kiosks that are coming up in the suburb. The latest one was inaugurated by local corporator Neelam Dolas on Mar 20 near Ambedkar Udyan.

Chembur already has three information kiosks at Diamond Garden, near Chaggan Meetha petrol pump in Swastik Park and at Anushakti Nagar. The kiosks have been installed by the BMC in association with Infobay Interactive India Private Ltd.

Residents can access these kiosks for free but only for a limited period. Every kiosk has a computer screen, which displays different icons relating to the type of information one needs. Users can check e-mails, avail of e-banking services, browse information about railways, movies, news, education, health, etc.

Says Mohammad Siddiqui, senior manager, Infobay Interactive India Private Ltd, There are a total of 30 kiosks in Mumbai. This is the fourth kiosk in Chembur and we are planning to set up three more. The next one will be set up near Amar Mahal junction.

Residents seem to be making good use of these kiosks. Ram Singh Thakur, security guard at the Diamond Garden kiosk, says, This kiosk is used by about 40-50 people daily. Initially, each person could access the kiosk for 15 minutes, but now the time has been reduced to 10 mins because more people are using it.

chembur@mid-day.com

Kiosks are better than cybercafes, say residents

Sheela Shankar Pai
Resident of St Anthony's Road
These kiosks are really convenient when we have to check e-mail and other information. They are better than cyber cafes as we dont have to spend any money here.



Nikhil Devlekar
A student
The kiosk is really useful. It is easier to use than wasting time hunting for a cyber cafe. It is useful for people who do not have a PC at home.