Indian Railways has started a pilot project called the Q-Mitra system to make Tatkal ticket booking fair and transparent. This system is currently operational at Begusarai station under the Sonepur division of East Central Railway. It aims to remove the influence of middlemen and touts who illegally secure tickets for others.
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How does the Q-Mitra system work for passengers
The system uses AI-based face recognition and Aadhaar authentication to verify the identity of the passenger. Once verified, the passenger receives a digital token that specifies their turn and the estimated waiting time. This ensures that only genuine passengers can book tickets and prevents any single person from booking multiple tickets illegally.
What are the main benefits of Q-Mitra
- Transparency: Sonepur DRM Amit Saran stated that the system ensures complete transparency in the booking process.
- No Long Queues: Passengers no longer need to stand in long, unmanaged lines at the counter.
- Touts Control: Each person can book only one Tatkal ticket per day after verification.
- Orderly Process: Station officials reported a significant reduction in crowding and disputes at the ticket counters.
Future plans for the digital booking system
Senior DCM Raushan Kumar mentioned that the goal is to reduce waiting times and streamline operations. After the successful trial at Begusarai, the railway plans to roll out this system gradually across the Sonepur division. There is also a possibility that other railway divisions across India may adopt this technology to improve the passenger experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Q-Mitra system in Indian Railways?
Q-Mitra is a pilot project using AI face recognition and Aadhaar verification to provide digital tokens for Tatkal booking, ensuring transparency and stopping touts.
Where is the Q-Mitra system currently available?
The system is currently operational at Begusarai station under the Sonepur division of East Central Railway in Bihar.