Facilitating passengers: PR steps up work on e-ticketing system

Feasibility report completed, UBL offers its services

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has expedited work on introducing an electronic ticketing system that is expected to be operational by next month.

According to sources in the Ministry of Railways, the new e-ticketing system will enable passengers to purchase tickets from railway centres across the country. "United Bank Limited (UBL) has offered its services regarding e-ticketing, however, other banks will also be welcomed in case of competitive charges," they said.

A tender for electronic ticketing has already been taken by UBL. Once implemented, the passengers will be able to purchase railway tickets from any shop authorised by the Pakistan Railways.

This is not the first time the Ministry of Railways has planned such an initiative. In 2008, similar decisions and announcements were made but were revoked later due to change in management.

"The government is adopting measures to make the Pakistan Railways profitable and for this purpose investment in modernising the organisation is being made," an official said.

"Portfolio and feasibility reports for the e-ticketing system have already been completed and other formalities are under consideration," the official added.

The electronic ticketing system has already been introduced in various public departments in the shape of e-challan and e-token at toll plaza. Once launched, the electronic ticketing system would enable passengers to make reservation, check schedules, save time and plan trips in a better way.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2016.

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