Indian Railways has introduced the Q-Mitra system to make Tatkal ticket booking easier and more transparent. This new system uses Aadhaar verification and face scanning to issue digital tokens to passengers. It was first started as a pilot project by the Sonepur division of East Central Railway at Begusarai station and is now being expanded to other areas like Ara Junction.
How does the Q-Mitra digital token system work
The system works through a kiosk-based automated platform where passengers can generate their own tokens. The process follows these steps:
- Registration: Passengers register using their mobile number.
- Verification: The system verifies the identity via Aadhaar.
- Token Generation: A digital token is issued before the booking window opens.
- Face Recognition: Facial scanning is used for final verification.
- Booking: Passengers book their tickets at the scheduled time.
What are the main benefits and timings of Q-Mitra
Sonepur DRM Amit Saran stated that this system prevents fraudulent activities as one person can book only one Tatkal ticket per day. It removes the need for passengers to stand in long lines overnight and stops touts from manipulating the process. The booking timings remain the same as per standard rules:
| Category | Booking Time |
|---|---|
| AC Class | 10:00 AM |
| Non-AC Class | 11:00 AM |
The digital token contains the passenger’s photo, the last four digits of their Aadhaar number, the token number, and the exact time it was issued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the Q-Mitra system currently available?
The system was first implemented at Begusarai station by the Sonepur division of East Central Railway and has been extended to Ara Junction under the Danapur Division.
What documents are needed to get a Q-Mitra token?
Passengers need a mobile number for registration and an Aadhaar card for identity verification and face scanning.