Kamalaksh Damodar Naik
Kamalaksh Damodar Naik is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur from Goa, India, who has transformed the landscape of travel and hospitality within the Konkan Railways and Indian Railways ecosystem. Known for his relentless drive, leadership acumen, and deep-rooted commitment to public service, Kamalaksh has emerged as a changemaker in the space of passenger comfort, modern amenities, and innovative travel experiences. With over 12 years of diverse experience, he has pioneered initiatives such as the “Relax Zone” robotic massage chair concept and India’s most advanced Executive Lounges at railway stations — setting new benchmarks in non-fare revenue generation, infrastructure innovation, and commuter well-being. His work blends entrepreneurship with purpose, redefining how millions experience train travel across India.
Early Life
Kamalaksh was born on 6th November 1986 in Madgaon, Goa. From a young age, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities and a deep sense of social responsibility. Kamalaksh’s journey of leadership began in his school days as the House Head Boy, where he cultivated the discipline and teamwork that would define his future. His leadership flourished during his college years at Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College, where he was elected General Secretary of the student body. In this role, he played a pivotal part in university elections, voiced student concerns, and worked tirelessly to address critical campus issues. His youthful activism, natural ability to connect with people, and inclusive leadership style earned him widespread respect among his peers and faculty. During this period, Kamalaksh also engaged with youth political activities, laying a strong foundation for his future leadership in public service and nation-building.
The Turning Point & Rise in Entrepreneurship
After completing his formal education, Kamalaksh began his career with the Goa State Government. However, a major and life-changing road accident became a turning point that led him to reimagine his life’s direction. Instead of giving up, he chose to rebuild himself — marking the start of his entrepreneurial journey. His first venture was a beauty & Wellness, which, despite early promise, had to be closed. This initial setback, however, ignited his passion for business. He went on to launch a local tea brand named Garam Chai, which received a warm response in the Goan market. Kamalaksh then entered the real estate consulting industry, where he honed his business instincts and developed valuable strategic skills. His major breakthrough came when he stepped into the domain of railway passenger services — a space where his entrepreneurial vision met public purpose. This move would eventually lead to revolutionary innovations in Indian Railways infrastructure and passenger experience.
Innovation in Indian Railways
Kamalaksh Naik introduced the pioneering Relax Zone concept in Indian Railways — a first-of-its-kind initiative offering robotic massage chairs at railway stations. This thoughtful idea was designed to bring ease and comfort to thousands of daily travellers, and it received wide appreciation from both the Indian Railways authorities and the public. Building on the success of this innovation, Kamalaksh went on to conceptualize and establish India’s most advanced Executive Lounge model. The first lounge was launched at Madgaon (Goa), followed by expansions to Thivim, Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Khed, Udupi, and Byndoor Mukambika Road, covering key stations across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. His Executive Lounges offer state-of-the-art amenities that include: Premium seating Air-conditioned comfort Sleeping pods Shower zones Café services High-speed Wi-Fi Automated spa chairs Digital train display systems Secure lockers and dedicated travel desks Through these innovations, Kamalaksh Naik is redefining how passengers experience train travel in India — blending luxury, affordability, and accessibility into public transport infrastructure.
Current Role & Contributions
Today, Kamalaksh Naik operates multiple successful Executive Lounge setups across key railway stations in India. His ventures have not only enhanced the passenger experience but also created significant employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. His innovative business models have become a benchmark for non-fare revenue generation within the Indian Railways ecosystem. In addition to managing his enterprises, Kamalaksh serves as an active consultant to tourism stakeholders in Goa, providing strategic insights and innovative ideas to improve travel infrastructure, enhance public amenities, and elevate tourist experience
Education
Kamalaksh Naik pursued his early schooling at Mahila & Nutan at Madgaon, Goa, where he actively participated in student leadership roles, setting the foundation for his future endeavours. His natural leadership ability was recognised early when he was appointed House Head Boy. He later enrolled at Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College, one of the most reputed institutions in Goa, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time in college, he was elected General Secretary of students council, leading various student initiatives and representing the student body in university-level activities and governance. His proactive efforts in addressing campus issues and advocating for student welfare made him a respected figure among faculty and peers alike. To complement his interest in travel and service, Kamalaksh also completed a Diploma in Travel & Hospitality, where he gained foundational knowledge in tourism operations, customer experience management, and hospitality administration. This formal education in hospitality played a vital role in shaping his entrepreneurial journey in the railway lounge and tourism ecosystem. His educational years were marked not just by academics, but by civic engagement, youth politics, and organizational leadership — making him a well-rounded individual prepared for public-oriented entrepreneurship.
Career
Kamalaksh began his professional journey with the Goa State Government. After a life-altering road accident, he shifted gears and ventured into entrepreneurship. His early ventures included a salon & spa and a tea brand called "Garam Chai". He later explored real estate consultancy before finding his true calling in railway passenger services. His major breakthrough came when he introduced the Relax Zone in Indian Railways — featuring robotic massage chairs at stations. This innovation elevated passenger comfort significantly and gained wide appreciation. He then conceptualized and launched India’s most advanced Executive Lounges, beginning at Madgaon and later expanding to stations like Thivim, Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Khed, Udupi, and Byndoor Mukambika Road — across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. These lounges offer: Premium seating and AC comfort Sleeping pods and shower zones High-speed Wi-Fi and café services Automated spa chairs and travel desk Lockers, train display systems, and more
Achievements
- Introduced Relax Zone (robotic massage chairs) in Indian Railways
- Launched Executive Lounges across multiple states
- Created employment opportunities across regions
- Recognized by Indian Railways for innovation in non-fare revenue
- Strategic consultant for tourism and rail-based hospitality in Goa
Philanthropy
Kamalaksh Naik is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also deeply committed to social causes and community welfare. He believes that true success lies in uplifting others and contributing to the collective good. His philanthropic endeavours primarily focus on youth empowerment, community development, and improving public infrastructure, especially in the realms of tourism and passenger services. One of Kamalaksh's key philanthropic initiatives is his active engagement in creating employment opportunities for youth in the regions where his railway lounges operate. Through his ventures, he has directly contributed to providing jobs for over 500 individuals, helping them gain meaningful employment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Vision for the Future
Kamalaksh Naik envisions a New India of Travel, where every railway station across the country offers world-class passenger services— integrating affordable comfort, spiritual tourism connectivity, wellness experiences, and digital convenience. He strongly believes that comfort, dignity, and convenience should be the right of every Indian traveler, not a privilege. This guiding belief continues to shape his mission and drive his efforts to transform the railway and tourism ecosystem in India.
His future roadmap includes:
- Building 50+ Executive Lounges across India in the next 2 years
- Creating employment opportunities for 1,000+ youth across regions
- Collaborating with Indian Railways to enhance non-fare revenue and boost passenger satisfaction by introduction new concepts.
- Promoting religious and wellness tourism through rail-based hospitality
Launching first-of-its-kind innovative projects in the railway and tourism domain
- Through these goals, Kamalaksh Naik aims to make Indian train journeys more meaningful, comfortable, and transformative for millions.
- Serving the people & woking towards the nation building though his foundation activities.
Personal Life
Kamalaksh resides in Goa and is fluent in English, Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, Kannada, Gujarati, Portuguese and French . Apart from his business ventures, he is known for his grounded personality, social engagement, and visionary outlook for modern India