Kochi: In a major bid to overhaul passenger services and dismantle long queues at ticket counters, major railway stations across Kerala are set to launch dedicated 'RailOne Self-Ticketing Zones'. Key hubs, including Ernakulam Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central and Tripunithura, will be among the first to feature these high-tech areas.

Representing a pioneering move for Indian Railways, the digital initiative is designed to capitalise on the rising popularity of mobile ticketing, offering massive relief to daily commuters who routinely face peak-hour delays.

 

A new era for unreserved travel

At present, passengers secure their travel documents either through traditional counters or Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs). This new venture introduces an alternative, streamlined touchpoint specifically for unreserved tickets.
Railway authorities are working to deploy these self-ticketing zones ahead of the Onam festival.
"The initial roll-out will launch at three primary stations on a trial basis. Following this, we intend to expand the zones to 102 stations across the division—stretching from Thiruvananthapuram to Vadakkencherry—before Onam commences," TOI quoted a Railway official as saying.


Digital discounts and real-time station data

To incentivise the shift, commuters who purchase unreserved tickets via the RailOne app whilst inside these designated zones will enjoy a 3 per cent discount on their fares. Positioned prominently at concourse entrances, the zones will feature high-tech installations to assist travellers.

"The areas will be highly visible and equipped with multiple 65-inch television screens. Passengers simply need to scan a QR code displayed on one screen to book, whilst adjacent monitors will broadcast real-time transit data. This includes train schedules for the upcoming three hours, live platform updates and precise coach positions," the official detailed. The system will also provide instant alerts regarding delayed trains. Beyond standard transit tickets, users will be able to book platform tickets, executive AC lounges, cloakrooms and porter services.

 

Tackling station congestion

The contract for the project has already been auctioned, with Ernakulam-based Catalyst Collective Ltd securing the rights.

Internal data compiled by the railways indicates that nearly 40 per cent of passengers only buy their tickets after arriving at the terminal. With primary hubs like Ernakulam enduring a daily footfall of roughly 3,00,000 travellers, ticket counters and ATVMs become heavily congested during peak periods.

To utilise the incoming self-ticketing zones, passengers will need to have the RailOne app downloaded on their mobile devices.

Through this push, Indian Railways aims to elevate the share of digital ticket purchases to 50 per cent by the end of the year.

Currently, around 25 per cent of station-side ticket buyers utilise the RailOne app. Whilst standard app regulations restrict users from booking tickets when they are within 100 metres of a station, the new zones solve this logistical hurdle.

"Booking upon arrival often causes a last-minute rush to locate station QR codes. This dedicated zone rectifies the issue by effectively geofencing the ticketing process within a single, convenient hub," the official concluded.