Sonpur: Passengers at railway stations in Bihar will no longer have to wait in long queues at ticket counters, as Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and smart cards are being introduced. Under the ‘Raho Smart – Banao Smart Card’ initiative, Sonpur Railway Division has started efforts to promote cashless ticketing for unreserved passengers.
The campaign was launched from Sonpur Railway Division, where Commercial Manager Roshan Kumar symbolically handed over an ATVM smart card to Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Bhushan Sood. The division aims to increase the use of smart cards by informing women, students, businessmen, and employees about its benefits. With this card, passengers can get tickets from ATVMs without standing in queues at booking counters, saving both time and effort.
To boost the adoption of smart cards, ticket checking staff, booking counter employees, and commercial inspectors will actively promote their use. The ATVM smart card enables passengers to obtain tickets without worrying about crowds or delays. So far, 28 ATVMs have been installed at 10 major stations under the Sonpur division, including Begusarai and others.
Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Bhushan Sood emphasized that smart cards will make travel more convenient. ATVM smart card users receive a 3% discount on fares. The card can be used for unreserved tickets, platform tickets, and renewing monthly or quarterly season tickets. The minimum recharge amount is Rs. 100, which is refundable if a balance remains. The card is valid for one year and can be reactivated as needed.
