Railway invites applications for ticketing centres

JAMMU: Northern Railway's Jammu Division has invited applications from eligible individuals and agencies for setting up Automatic Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM), Station Ticket Booking Agents (STBA) and Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendras (YTSA) across various stations in the division. The initiative aims to improve passenger convenience while creating self-employment opportunities for local youth. The last dates for submitting applications are July 22 for STBA, July 23 for YTSA and July 29 for ATVM Facilitators. ATVMs are touchscreen-based machines installed at railway stations to issue unreserved tickets, platform tickets and monthly season tickets. Facilitators will assist passengers in operating the machines, helping reduce waiting time and ease congestion at ticket counters. Under the STBA scheme, private agents will be appointed at NSG-4, NSG-5 and NSG-6 category railway stations to issue unreserved tickets. The initiative is designed to make ticket booking more accessible while reducing the workload at railway booking counters. Agents will receive commission on ticket sales as per Railway norms. The YTSA scheme, implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, allows private operators to open railway ticket booking centres in markets. These centres will provide both reserved and unreserved ticket booking facilities and may charge a service fee as permitted under Railway rules. Preference will be given to experienced agents. According to Northern Railway, the initiative is part of the Jammu Division's efforts to strengthen passenger services through digital and transparent ticketing while addressing staff shortages by decentralising ticketing operations. The division said the schemes will also support the Government's Digital India initiative by encouraging cashless transactions and technology-driven services, besides generating direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth, self-help groups and experienced ticketing agents. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Jammu, Uchit Singhal, said the new division is committed to improving passenger services and expanding access to railway ticketing facilities. "ATVM, STBA and YTSA are not just ticket-selling centres but a bridge of trust between the public and the Railways. Our aim is to ensure that every passenger in Jammu Division, whether in urban areas or remote villages, gets quick, transparent and convenient ticketing services. At the same time, these initiatives will help create self-employment opportunities for local youth," he said. Applications, along with the prescribed fee and required documents, can be submitted to the Divisional Commercial Branch, Jammu. Details regarding eligibility, locations and terms and conditions are available on the official website of Northern Railway and on the notice board at the Jammu Divisional Office. Interested applicants can also contact the Commercial Department of Jammu Division during office hours for further information.