When travelling on Mumbai local trains, one thing most commuters hate is standing in long ticket queues. All we want is to get our tickets quickly and catch the train before it arrives. Now, there’s some good news. Getting a local train ticket in Mumbai is set to become faster and easier, as Western Railway has announced a major upgrade to its ticketing system. Scroll down to know more!
325 New AVTMs For Mumbai Local Train Commuters
Amazing news for Mumbai’s local train users! Western Railway will install 325 new Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) across its suburban network. Why? To reduce the long, tiring queues at ticket counters and encourage commuters to use self-service and digital ticketing options.
Where will these new machines be placed? According to The Free Press Journal, you will find the new ATVMs at station premises and foot overbridges, making them easier to access, especially during peak hours. According to railway officials, these machines will process transactions faster and work more smoothly than older versions. They will also support digital payment methods, reducing the need for cash.
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More About This Initiative At Western Railway
The initiative was formally launched at Churchgate station under a campaign titled “Mera Tiktak Meri Shaan, Aapkasant Bharat Ke Liye Mera Gadhan.” As per The Free Press Journal, Pradeep Kumar, the General Manager in charge of Western Railway, inaugurated the campaign. While addressing commuters and railway staff, he stressed the importance of travelling with a valid ticket.
Currently, Western Railway operates 501 ATVMs across its network. Out of these, around 110 machines will be replaced because they have reached the end of their operational life. The remaining machines will be relocated to more strategic and busy locations.
In the past, many commuters complained about ATVMs being non-functional or shut down during rush hours. This often forced passengers to stand in long lines at ticket counters. Railway officials said the new machines are expected to be more reliable.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Ting Chen & Flickr/ Adam Cohn