AGARTALA, NOV 13: Agartala Railway Station has embraced technological advancement with the introduction of three Automatic Ticket Vending Machines, marking a pivotal shift towards modernized passenger services and addressing the persistent challenge of overcrowded ticket counters that have long plagued railway stations.
The machines, which became operational on November 11, represent a significant upgrade to the station’s ticketing infrastructure and are expected to dramatically reduce waiting times for passengers who previously had to stand in lengthy queues at traditional ticket counters.
Speaking with Ukhrul Times, a Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) at the station explained the comprehensive capabilities of these new machines. “As many as three machines have been installed on November 11. Now people do not need to stand in a long queue outside ticket counters. Passengers can purchase platform tickets and all other unreserved tickets directly from these machines using UPI and other online payment options,” the TTE said.
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The range of services available through these automated machines encompasses the full spectrum of routine ticketing operations. Users can renew seasonal tickets, recharge smart cards, print mobile tickets, purchase platform tickets, view railway station maps, and retrieve train details through intuitive touch-screen interfaces. The integration of digital payment systems, including UPI and other online payment platforms, eliminates the need for cash transactions and further streamlines the purchasing process.
Many passengers including those who travel daily emphasize that the advantages of this automated system extend well beyond simple convenience. During peak travel periods, traditional ticket counters often become bottlenecks, with single queues stretching across station premises and causing significant delays. The vending machines distribute passenger load across multiple access points, effectively decongesting the ticketing area and reducing overall waiting times. This distributed service model ensures that even during rush hours, passengers can access ticketing services without experiencing prohibitive delays.
Operational efficiency gains benefit both passengers and railway staff. Counter personnel can redirect their attention to handling complex queries, assisting elderly or differently-abled passengers, and managing exceptional situations rather than processing routine unreserved ticket purchases. Meanwhile, passengers gain autonomy over their ticketing experience, completing transactions at their own pace without feeling rushed by queues forming behind them.
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The TTE also clarified important regulations regarding platform access. “The platform ticket for Agartala Railway Station is Rs 10, and everyone must have a platform ticket if they do not buy a journey ticket. If anyone is found roaming inside the station without a journey ticket or platform ticket, they will be fined Rs 260,” the TTE added.
The availability of these automated machines ensures that obtaining the required platform tickets becomes a swift and straightforward process, facilitating better compliance with station regulations while maintaining smooth passenger movement throughout the facility.