The Indian Railways is proposing the introduction of a universal smart card ticketing system it contends would make it easier for rail passengers to secure tickets and pay for rides.
The Central Government Cabinet of Minister and the Ministry of Transport are considering the proposal, and Indian Railways expects a decision by the end of September, a railways spokesperson tells PaymentsSource.
The transport ministry will release a feasibility study report soon, after which the rail agency would work out the details in consultation with the central government to turn the project into a reality, he explains.
Under the proposed system, each rider would receive his own reloadable smart card once verifying his identity with Indian Railways. He would then use that card whenever accessing the rail system.
The ticket cost would be deducted from the smart card account when entering the rail system. Ticket checkers would carry a smart reader to check the card’s validity during the journey.
Cardholders would pay an initial, yet-to-be-disclosed fee, the spokesperson says.
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