The distribution of these digital booking counters is as follows: 167 in Katihar, 96 in Alipurduar, 87 in Rangiya, 175 in Lumding, and 63 in Tinsukia.
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The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which serves the northeastern states, as well as seven districts in West Bengal and five in north Bihar, has equipped 588 booking counters with QR code machines across its five divisions to support the “Digital India” initiative and enable cashless transactions, officials announced on Monday (October 4).
According to NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, these QR code-enabled counters have been set up in five divisions: Katihar, Rangiya, Alipurduar, Lumding, and Tinsukia. This move ensures that passengers at nearly all major stations within the NFR network can benefit from seamless digital payment options, making ticketing more convenient and efficient.
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Which railway stations will have QR code ticketing?
The distribution of these digital booking counters is as follows: 167 in Katihar, 96 in Alipurduar, 87 in Rangiya, 175 in Lumding, and 63 in Tinsukia. With the festive season underway, Sharma noted that NFR has also launched several special trains to manage the increased passenger demand.
The introduction of QR code machines at booking counters is particularly beneficial for travellers during the festival rush. Passengers can now bypass long queues for cash transactions and opt for faster, contactless digital payments. This initiative not only enhances convenience but also aligns with safety protocols by reducing cash handling, ensuring a smoother and safer journey for all.
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How will QR code ticketing impact rail passengers?
The QR code-based ticketing system allows passengers to book tickets via various digital platforms. By scanning the QR code at the station, passengers can obtain their tickets without physical interaction, reducing queues at counters and speeding up the ticketing process. This cashless, faster method also improves security.
The move towards QR code-based ticketing is a significant step in NFR’s ongoing efforts to modernize passenger services. It complements the earlier introduction of mobile app-based ticketing through the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app, which enables passengers to book unreserved tickets from their smartphones.
This initiative is in line with the goals of the ‘Digital India’ program, promoting three key pillars: contactless ticketing, cashless transactions, and enhanced customer convenience and experience.