Facility for non-smartphone users: In another initiative taken by the Indian Railways to reduce the hurdles of people for booking rail tickets while standing in queues, it has decided the people will soon be able to book tickets through non-smartphones.
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced that the facility will soon be launched for those who are non-smartphone users in the country. Minister announced when he was in the city to flag-off the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express. “We have already installed many points of sale (POS) machines at many suburban stations for easy transactions for commuters in the city. We are also introducing e-wallets and encouraging payment through mobile applications. We will work towards enabling commuters, who are not in possession of smartphones, to be able to book tickets via their phones,” said Prabhu.
Ministry aims to promote Digita India, says Prabhu by providing the facility for non-smartphone users
He said his ministry’s motive is to promote “Digital India” campaign initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And, also introducing Wi-Fi service at many railway stations under the campaign. The ministry is also looking forward to facilitate e-tendering to promote cashless transaction in railways, said Prabhu.
“We are working on making major railway stations on the suburban and long distance route Wi-Fi enabled to promote digital usage. Plans are on to convert all rail transactions through e-tendering so that cashless payment is promoted. All rail vendors are also being exhorted to use digital ways of payment,” he added. Currently, passengers are able to book their tickets on the suburban network through booking counters, smart cards and mobile ticketing system. POS machines have been installed at some terminals to privilege of the commuters like train bookings and wallet facilities are on the cards.
Fast trains will halt at Diva Station
“I will be very happy if I will be able to book my ticket through my mobile which is not a smartphone. If the process is easy, I will be up for it,” said Shubhada, a regular commuter.
“Mobile ticketing was also introduced by railways, which failed big time. Instead of introducing so many facilities to book tickets from, railways must think at having a uniform ticketing system,” said Amandeep, another commuter.
Union Railway minister Suresh Prabhu had also inaugurated the halt of fast trains on Central Railway network at Dive station Sunday. Prabhu also inaugurated the halt of fast trains on Central Railway network at Diva station Sunday. Hoping for receiving ‘more light’ (Diva) on the station, he said,”I ask forgiveness from Diva commuters for keeping the station in dark for so long as opposed to its name. From Sunday, more fast trains can halt at Diva station and prove to be a respite for the increasing time of commute,” he added.
