KKN Gurugram Desk | To enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways has introduced a Smart Card system, making ticket booking simpler and hassle-free. The Automatic Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM) Smart Card will allow travelers to buy tickets without standing in long queues. The card will also offer a 3% discount on ticket purchases and can be reactivated after a year.
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The Sonpur Railway Division has taken this initiative, and the Smart Card is now available at 10 major railway stations, including Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Sonpur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Barauni, Mansi, Naugachia, Dalsinghsarai, and Lakhminia.
Smart Card Benefits for Indian Rail Passengers
📌 Key Features of the ATVM Smart Card:
✅ No more standing in long queues for tickets.
✅ 3% discount on ticket bookings via ATVM machines.
✅ Valid for one year and can be reactivated upon expiry.
✅ Minimum recharge amount of ₹100, with the remaining balance refundable.
✅ Supports purchase of unreserved travel tickets, platform tickets, and season ticket renewals.
The Smart Card system aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision, encouraging cashless transactions in railway ticketing.
How to Get a Smart Card for Train Ticket Booking?
Passengers can easily obtain an ATVM Smart Card from:
✔ TTEs (Travelling Ticket Examiners).
✔ Booking counters at railway stations.
✔ Railway commercial inspectors.
Passengers can use these Smart Cards at ATVM machines installed across 10 major railway stations under the Sonpur Railway Division.
Smart Ticketing: A Step Towards Digital India
The introduction of Smart Cards is a step towards modernizing railway services in India. These cards will:
✔ Reduce dependency on ticket counters and facilitators.
✔ Encourage digital transactions for railway ticket purchases.
✔ Speed up the ticket booking process for daily commuters.
With Muzaffarpur Junction alone generating ₹8.99 crore from ATVM ticket sales, the initiative is expected to increase revenue and passenger convenience.
Rising Passenger Chaos Due to Increased Travel Demand
While the Smart Card system brings relief to railway travelers, passenger overcrowding remains a major issue.
🔹 Train Overcrowding at Muzaffarpur Station
Recently, several passengers were unable to board trains due to heavy rush at Muzaffarpur station. The Barouni-Ahmedabad Express saw massive chaos as passengers broke train windows when they couldn’t enter due to locked doors.
🔹 Unprecedented Rush in Other Trains
✔ Pawan Express and Swatantrata Senani Express saw overcrowded sleeper and AC coaches.
✔ Passengers with confirmed tickets were unable to board due to excessive general-class occupancy.
✔ People resorted to breaking windows to force entry into the coaches.
Despite attempts by railway officials and police (RPF & GRP) to control the situation, many passengers remained stranded.
Why is Passenger Rush Increasing?
✔ High demand for trains due to Maha Kumbh Mela travel.
✔ Limited trains available for long-distance travelers.
✔ Lack of sufficient sleeper coaches in key express trains.
The unprecedented rush has highlighted the urgent need for better crowd management strategies at railway stations.
Government’s Next Step: Expanding Smart Ticketing Nationwide?
Following the successful implementation of Smart Cards at 10 key railway stations, the Indian Railways may consider rolling out the initiative across all major stations.
🔹 Future Prospects of Smart Ticketing System:
✔ Expansion to more stations across India.
✔ Integration with mobile apps for seamless ticket purchases.
✔ Smart Cards with auto-recharge and online renewal options.
The Smart Ticketing system has the potential to revolutionize railway travel in India, making it more efficient, convenient, and digital-friendly.
With the introduction of ATVM Smart Cards, Indian Railways is moving towards a faster and hassle-free ticketing system. This initiative is expected to reduce long queues, encourage digital transactions, and provide discounts to frequent travelers.
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Smart Cards launched at 10 railway stations to ease ticket booking.
✔ Passengers get a 3% discount on tickets purchased via ATVM machines.
✔ One-year validity with reactivation option.
✔ Massive crowd issues persist despite railway improvements.
✔ Government may expand the initiative to more stations soon.
🚆 Will Smart Cards transform railway ticketing in India? Stay tuned for more updates! 🚉💳
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