Latest news with #AutomaticTicketVendingMachines
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- The Hindu
Seamless service and zero incidents: Solapur Railway Division's remarkable handling of Ashadhi Fair pilgrims
The Solapur Division of Central Railway played a pivotal role in facilitating the pilgrimage of lakhs of Warkari devotees during the Ashadhi Fair 2025 at Pandharpur in Maharashtra, ensuring their travel was safe, seamless, and filled with compassion. As per the information provided by the railway officials, more than two lakh passengers passed through Pandharpur Railway Station alone between July 1 and July 10. In response to the surge, the division successfully operated 239 trains — 121 special and 118 regular — on a single-line section, an exceptional feat of coordination. On the main day of Ekadashi (July 6), 22 trains were run, followed by 18 trains the next day to disperse the massive crowd. Meticulous planning and logistical arrangements Thanks to meticulous planning and teamwork, the entire operation concluded with zero injuries or casualties, marking a significant achievement in crowd management. This success was made possible not only through logistical arrangements but also through the dedication and selfless service of railway staff, security forces, and civil defence volunteers, who guided elderly passengers, provided medical aid, and ensured order at every step. To make ticketing effortless, the existing infrastructure was scaled up with nine additional Unreserved Ticketing Systems (UTS), Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Mobile UTS Terminals (electronic devices or tablets carried by ticketing staff). Three holding zones covering 2,680 square metres, equipped with drinking water and toilet facilities, were set up to accommodate pilgrims during peak rush hours. Over 50 passenger guidance boards and special timetables were installed across the city and station to direct devotees to key locations, aided by 24/7 help desks manned by Commercial and RPF staff. Electrical supply was ensured through two standby diesel generator sets of 125 KV each. Indicator boards, including five-line and single-line displays, were placed across platforms and waiting areas. Security was strengthened with increased deployment of personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras and megaphones, with a control room set up at the CCTV hub to oversee safety. Health and emergency arrangements were comprehensive, with a dedicated team of 13 medical personnel, including three doctors on constant duty, supported by ambulance services and volunteers. Cleanliness and hygiene were maintained with 150 mobile toilets, 60 permanent toilets, 20 bathrooms, and continuous sanitation work. Drinking water was made available through 91 taps, with free packaged water and juice distributed by the State for the benefit of the devotees. Commitment to public service 'To handle the massive turnout efficiently, commercial staff were deployed for ticket issuance and checking, while commercial supervisors managed crowd control in shifts. Officers from various departments, including operating, commercial, electrical, signal and telecommunications, engineering, security, and medical, worked in close coordination. The Ashadhi Fair 2025 showcased the Solapur Division's unwavering commitment to public service,' Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sujeet Mishra, who supervised operations from Kurduvadi station, said. At Pandharpur station, on-ground supervision was led by Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) Yogesh Patil, Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC) RPF Aditya, Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC) RPF Shri Rajeev Kanuajia, and Assistant Operating Manager (AOM) Shri Lakhanji Jha. Their efforts, supported by a committed team, ensured end-to-end operational readiness.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Individuals invited to serve as ATVM facilitators
Vijayawada: Vijayawada Division of the South Central Railway continues to enhance passenger convenience and promote digital initiatives with the successful operation of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) across its network. These user-friendly machines have significantly streamlined unreserved ticketing, enabling faster, contactless, and hassle-free travel for lakhs of daily commuters. The Vijayawada Division has emerged as a frontrunner in ATVM utilisation. Presently, 72 ATVMs are operational across 29 major railway stations, supported by 94 facilitators to assist passengers. As a result of continued awareness campaigns and improved accessibility, 33 percent (78,19,581) of the total (2,41,51,165) unreserved tickets in the Division are now booked through ATVMs, said the SCR Railway, Vijayawada in a press release on Wednesday. The passengers get many benefits with ATVMs. It reduces queues and saves time of passengers and is very convenient also. The machines support multilingual interfaces and offer quick access to general, platform, and renewal tickets. Trained facilitators are available at key stations to assist the elderly, first-time users, and differently-abled passengers. Rambabu Vavilapalli, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCR appeals to the public to join the mission by becoming facilitators: 'We are inviting applications from enthusiastic individuals to serve as ATVM facilitators at 29 key railway stations in the Division. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the digital transformation of Indian Railways while contributing meaningfully to public service.' Interested applicants can find complete details, including eligibility criteria, terms of engagement, and the application process at the following link: Narendra A Patil, IRTS, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCR congratulated passengers and staff alike on this achievement, stating: 'The rise in ATVM ticketing is a clear sign of passengers embracing technology for a smoother travel experience.
