Samarth Gupta, the new Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr. DCM) of the Lucknow Division of Northern Railway, has prioritized improving passenger facilities. He took charge on May 1, 2026, and has focused on ensuring a steady supply of water in trains and promoting digital payment methods for tickets and services.
What are the new focus areas for passenger facilities?
The Senior DCM has emphasized the availability of drinking water in trains to tackle the summer heat. He also directed officials to improve cleanliness and seating arrangements at Charbagh station. To reduce queues and improve efficiency, he encouraged passengers to use Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) more frequently.
How has digital payment grown in the Lucknow Division?
The division has seen a significant rise in the use of QR codes, UPI, and cards for ticket booking. The data shows a clear shift toward digital transactions:
| Ticket Type | Digital Payment (2024-25) | Digital Payment (2025-26) |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved Tickets | 8.47% | 18.87% |
| Reserved Tickets | 3.9% | 12.02% |
What actions are being taken against illegal vendors?
The railway administration is running a strict campaign to stop unauthorized vending. On May 3, 2026, officials caught 11 unauthorized vendors in the Gorakhpur Panvel Express at Charbagh station. Similar drives in April 2026 at Lucknow and Gorakhpur junctions resulted in the seizure of a large number of unauthorized water bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current status of digital payments in Lucknow Division?
Digital payments for unreserved tickets rose from 8.47% in 2024-25 to 18.87% in 2025-26, while reserved tickets saw an increase from 3.9% to 12.02%.
Who is the new Senior DCM of Lucknow Division?
Samarth Gupta, a 2012 batch officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service, took charge as the Senior DCM on May 1, 2026.
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