Kollam: The Indian Railway is exploring new ways to increase the non-ticket revenue to overcome the financial crisis due to COVID. As part of this, parking facilities will be arranged and catering units opened near railway stations. Advertisement boards including huge hoardings will be allowed to be placed near stations to generate income.
Chief Commercial Inspectors will conduct a survey to find new sources of income. These officials in railway divisions are directed to submit the survey report within October 20.
Railway will carry out a detailed study on bus routes close to the railway tracks and stations. A report will be prepared regarding this.
The railway will also conduct a comparative study on bus and train ticket rates. The authority has directed the officials to include the details of the time when more passengers are reported on major routes.
At the same time, all categories of employees including ticket examiners will be assigned to increase the transportation of goods through trains.
Railway directed the staff to influence factories and shops to transport their goods through train services. However, a group of employees have expressed dissent over the direction.
Ticket/reservation counters will be opened in more stations from September 14, Monday. Hence, all employees are directed to report for duty from Monday onwards.
Employees are allowed to request a transfer to other stations according to their preference amid the COVID crisis. But those who are not submitting a request must report for duty at the respective stations where they are employed.
