JAMMU, Jun 3: Northern Railway’s Jammu Division has taken two major steps towards enhancing passenger convenience and ensuring better utilization of railway assets by commissioning its first Automatic Food and Water Vending Machine (AVM) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station and expanding commercial opportunities through transparent e-auctions.
Keeping in view the convenience of the lakhs of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the newly installed vending machine will provide round-the-clock access to food and drinking water. The facility supports UPI, card and other digital payment modes, ensuring cashless and transparent transactions while eliminating complaints of overcharging. Railway officials said the automated system will reduce waiting time, minimize crowding at counters and significantly improve the travel experience for passengers.
In another major initiative, Jammu Division has strengthened the commercial utilization of railway assets through e-auctions. The SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) space in Train No. 12472 has been leased out, ensuring better utilization of available space and generating additional revenue for the Railways.
Further boosting non-fare revenue, advertising rights have been allotted on the slider doors of Vande Bharat Express. The move will provide premium branding opportunities on one of India’s most modern trains while contributing to revenue generation.
At Pathankot Railway Station, the Jammu Division has, for the first time, clubbed and allotted a mobile and mobile accessories kiosk along with a saloon kiosk. Additionally, retiring room operations have been outsourced for the first time. Railway authorities believe these measures will provide passengers with multiple services at a single location, improve business opportunities for vendors and enhance cleanliness and service quality at the station.
Speaking on the occasion, Uchit Singhal said that the Automatic Vending Machine at Katra Station will ensure quick, hygienic and cashless service for passengers. He noted that digital payment systems have improved transparency and strengthened passenger trust, while the e-auction process is enabling optimum utilization of railway assets and helping improve facilities across stations.
He reiterated Jammu Division’s commitment to providing world-class amenities to pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and all other railway passengers, adding that the division will continue to implement technology-driven and passenger-centric innovations in the future.