Indian Railways ATVM update: Unreserved and platform ticket booking to become faster and cashless
The Ministry of Railways announced on May 20, 2026, that Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) are making the process of buying unreserved and platform tickets much easier. These machines aim to reduce long queues at ticket counters by providing a faster and cashless experience for passengers. The move is part of a larger effort to improve passenger convenience across the network.
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What are ATVMs and how do they work?
ATVMs are touch-screen kiosks connected to the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) server. They allow passengers to buy second-class single or return tickets for adults and children, as well as platform tickets. Some machines offer a one-touch feature for the top 20 destination stations, which can complete a transaction in about 6 seconds. These machines are available in multiple languages including Hindi and English.
Payment options and Smart Card benefits
Passengers can use UPI and Smart Cards for cashless payments. Smart Cards require a security deposit of ₹50 and can be recharged up to ₹1000 in multiples of ₹50. To encourage use, the railways provide a 5% bonus on recharges. While these machines handle most unreserved tickets, they cannot be used for season ticket issuance or concession vouchers, though they do support season ticket renewals.
Role of ATVM Facilitators and Recruitment
To help passengers who are not familiar with the machines, Indian Railways employs facilitators. These can be retired railway staff or members of the general public who earn a 5% bonus on sales. Recent recruitment drives have been launched to fill these roles, including 80 posts in the Moradabad Division with applications open until May 31, 2026, and 47 posts in the Delhi Division.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket Types | Unreserved, Platform, Return Tickets |
| Payment Modes | UPI, Smart Cards, Cash/Coins |
| Smart Card Deposit | ₹50 |
| Recharge Bonus | 5% on top-up |
| Transaction Time | Up to 6 seconds for top destinations |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I use a Smart Card for ATVM tickets?
You can buy a Smart Card from booking counters by paying a ₹50 security deposit. It can be recharged up to ₹1000, and you get a 5% bonus on the recharge amount.
Which tickets cannot be issued through ATVMs?
ATVMs cannot issue season tickets, blank paper tickets, money receipts, or tickets based on concessions and vouchers.