Standing in long queues at railway ticket counters could soon become a thing of the past. While many passengers now prefer booking train tickets online, a large number still purchase general and platform tickets directly at railway stations. To make the process quicker and more convenient, Indian Railways has introduced Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) at several stations across the country.
These self-service kiosks allow passengers to book eligible tickets within minutes without waiting at the ticket counter. If you frequently travel by train and are unaware of this facility, here's everything you need to know about using an ATVM.
What Is an ATVM?
An Automatic Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM) is a touchscreen self-service kiosk installed at railway stations to help passengers purchase certain types of railway tickets without assistance from booking clerks.
The machine is designed to simplify the ticketing process by enabling users to select their journey details, make digital payments, and receive printed tickets instantly. This not only saves time but also helps reduce congestion at ticket booking counters, especially during peak travel hours.
Who Can Benefit from the Facility?
ATVMs are particularly useful for passengers who:
- Need a general (unreserved) ticket.
- Want to purchase a platform ticket quickly.
- Wish to avoid long queues at booking counters.
- Prefer self-service ticketing with digital payment options.
The facility is especially convenient for daily commuters and passengers travelling on short routes where unreserved tickets are commonly used.
How to Book a Ticket Using an ATVM
Using the machine is simple and requires only a few steps. Here's how passengers can purchase a ticket:
Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Language
Begin by selecting the language displayed on the touchscreen to continue the booking process comfortably.
Step 2: Enter Your Destination
Type the name of the railway station where you intend to travel and confirm your selection.
Step 3: Select the Number of Passengers
Enter the number of travellers for whom the ticket is being booked.
Step 4: Choose the Payment Method
The machine supports digital payment options such as:
- UPI
- Smart Card (where applicable)
Select your preferred payment mode and complete the transaction.
Step 5: Collect Your Ticket
Once the payment is successfully processed, the machine prints the ticket immediately. You can collect the printed ticket and proceed with your journey.
Advantages of Using an ATVM
Automatic Ticket Vending Machines offer several benefits for railway passengers.
No Waiting in Long Queues
One of the biggest advantages is that passengers can avoid standing in lengthy ticket lines, especially during busy hours.
Faster Ticket Booking
The entire booking process takes only a few minutes, making it a time-saving option for regular travellers.
Convenient Digital Payments
Passengers can complete transactions using modern digital payment methods, eliminating the need to carry exact cash in many cases.
Platform Tickets Also Available
Apart from unreserved journey tickets, ATVMs also allow passengers to purchase platform tickets quickly without visiting the booking counter.
A Convenient Alternative to Traditional Ticket Counters
Indian Railways continues to introduce digital initiatives aimed at improving passenger convenience. ATVMs are one such facility that helps streamline ticket booking while reducing waiting time at railway stations.
Although online booking remains the preferred choice for reserved train tickets, ATVMs provide a practical solution for passengers who need instant general or platform tickets at the station.
Check Availability at Your Railway Station
ATVMs are available at many railway stations, particularly those with high passenger footfall. However, availability may vary depending on the station. If you do not see one immediately, you can ask railway staff for its location.
For passengers looking for a quicker and hassle-free ticketing experience, the Automatic Ticket Vending Machine offers a simple and efficient alternative to traditional ticket counters. By using this facility, travellers can save valuable time and enjoy a smoother start to their journey.
