With the push for Digital India, railway passengers are increasingly opting for digital modes to purchase tickets. In line with this trend, the use of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) on Western Railway has significantly increased over the past decade. According to official data, in 2014, only 5% of passengers used ATVMs, whereas in 2025, this number has risen to 23%, marking an 18% rise in usage over 10 years.
24-Hour Facility at All Stations
A senior official stated that Western Railway has undertaken several initiatives under the Digital India campaign, with ATVMs being a key component. In Mumbai, this facility is available round the clock at all stations. Western Railway’s Mumbai division currently has 435 ATVMs installed across 37 suburban and 4 non-suburban stations. Additionally, to promote ticketing through the UTS mobile application, 460 static QR code frames have been set up at various stations.
“We are digitizing the ticketing system to save passengers’ time. The availability of digital payment windows, the UTS app, and an increased number of ATVMs across all stations is contributing to a growing number of users,” said Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway.
Making Ticketing System Faceless and Digital
The official added that the Railways aims to make the ticketing process entirely digital and faceless. With the installation of ATVMs at stations, passengers no longer need to stand in queues at ticket counters. These machines allow commuters to purchase tickets using UPI or other digital payment methods, significantly reducing the time and hassle involved.
Service Available in Three Languages
To further promote digital ticketing through ATVMs and the UTS mobile app, Western Railway has installed 560 informative stickers on its ATVMs. These include 540 posters in English, Hindi, and Marathi for Maharashtra, and 20 posters in English, Hindi, and Gujarati for Gujarat. Moreover, the UTS mobile app is now available in nine languages, including Marathi, Hindi, and English.
This growth in digital ticketing not only reflects increased passenger convenience but also aligns with the government’s broader vision of a digitally empowered India.
