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For the first time, attendees of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj will have a novel way to book their train tickets, thanks to a high-tech initiative by the Indian Railways. Special green jackets equipped with QR codes will be worn by railway staff, allowing devotees to scan and download the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app directly to their smartphones. This move, aimed at streamlining the ticket booking process, reflects the Indian Railways' commitment to leveraging digital solutions to enhance passenger convenience.
Dileep Kumar, the Executive Director (Information & Publicity) at the Railway Board, explained the significance of this innovative approach. "This is a unique arrangement made by the North Central Railway for the convenience of devotees in booking train tickets. This innovative initiative will simplify and facilitate the ticketing process through the use of digital technology," he stated. By scanning the QR code, passengers can bypass the traditional queue system, allowing for a smoother and faster ticketing experience.
The introduction of QR code-enabled jackets is part of a broader effort to manage the influx of pilgrims effectively. The Maha Kumbh, a 45-day spiritual extravaganza, is expected to draw over 40 crore devotees from around the world, showcasing the diverse cultural and spiritual heritage of India. To accommodate this massive gathering, the Railways has scheduled 3,124 special mela trains and 10,100 regular trains between January 10 and February 28. Furthermore, the ticketing capacity at Prayagraj railway station will be enhanced to handle up to 10,15,200 passengers daily, with 278 ticket counters set up across the North Central Railway (NCR) region.
"During the Maha Kumbh 2025, employees of the commercial department of the Railways will be deployed on special duty at Prayagraj Junction and they will wear green jackets. There will be a QR code printed on the back of the jackets, which devotees can scan from their mobile phones and download the UTS (unreserved ticketing system) mobile app," Kumar elaborated. This app not only facilitates the booking of unreserved tickets but also aims to reduce crowding and long wait times at ticket counters.
With the Maha Kumbh set to take place from January 13 to February 26, this digital ticketing solution underscores the Indian Railways' focus on enhancing passenger experience through technology. "With this initiative, devotees will be able to easily get tickets, avoiding crowds and long lines at the railway station. This process of ticket booking through digital payment will not only save time but also provide a hassle-free experience to lakhs of devotees visiting Sangam during the Maha Kumbh," Kumar added. This approach not only simplifies the ticketing process but also aligns with the broader digital India mission, promoting cashless transactions and digital access to services.
The QR code jackets represent a significant step forward in digital innovation and customer service for the Indian Railways. As they prepare to welcome millions of pilgrims to the Maha Kumbh, this initiative is poised to make travel more accessible and stress-free for devotees from across the globe, marking a milestone in the Railways' ongoing journey towards digital transformation.
