Railways to use QR code system for ticket checking nationwide

The scanning will also provide the passengers details on occupancy of the train

QR code railway Representational image | Twitter handle of North Central Railway

With the spread of COVID-19 continuing unabated, new technologies have been adopted in virtually all sectors to minimise risk of close human contact and infection.

But some roles have continued to demand 'old fashioned' human contact. One such role has been that of the Railway ticket examiner, who has to physically examine tickets and mobile phones (for e-tickets).

But this may be about to change. The North Central Railway had begun a pilot project from June 1 to use a ticket-scanning system for QR (quick response) codes. This system was first implemented at the Prayagraj railway station.

On Wednesday, North Central Railway issued a press release saying its contactless ticket checking system "is being implemented on a pan-India basis". The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), a railway subsidiary that provides technology solutions, has rolled out an application covering all zonal railways to "display reserved ticket details of passenger in form of unique QR code".

The North Central Railway’s press release explained how the QR code-based scanning system works. Once a reserved ticket is booked from anywhere, an SMS containing URL of the QR code will be sent to the passenger's mobile number. "During entering the station or checking of ticket, passenger will click on the QR code URL available in his/her SMS, and the QR code of the reserved ticket will be displayed on the passenger's mobile browser,” the press release said. A hand-held terminal with the CRIS application will be used to scan the QR code. The scanning will also provide the passengers details on occupancy of the train and number of vacant berths.

Besides, the hand-held terminal, ticket examiners can also scan the QR code using apps on their mobile phones such as QR and Barcode Scanner, and QR Code reader.

The press release stated the CRIS application is live now and passengers with reserved tickets are getting SMSes with URL link for the QR code. The Railway Board has instructed zonal railways to train ticket examiners for implementing the QR code-based ticket scanning system.

News agency ANI reported that Moradabad division of Northern Railway has launched the QR code-based system. Divisional Manager Tarun Prakash told ANI the "initiative was launched on July 22 (Wednesday)".

Last week, the Maharashtra government issued a circular making QR code-based e-passes mandatory for all essential workers using local trains in Mumbai.

"An electronic QR-based E-pass along with a valid railway ticket is mandatory to travel in the local suburban services from July 30. This ensures nobody, barring from essential services, travels in local trains. Also ensures proper social distancing for cops screening the people entering," Times Now reported about the Maharashtra government’s order.

TAGS