Kolkata Metro Railway Reintroduces Same-Day Return Ticket Facility After 15-Year Hiatus
In a significant move aimed at easing passenger congestion and enhancing commuter convenience, the Kolkata Metro Railway has reintroduced the same-day return ticket facility after a hiatus of fifteen years. The service resumed on an experimental basis starting Friday, and it is now available across all metro corridors in the city.
Experimental Revival to Alleviate Congestion
SS Kannan, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Metro Railway, announced on Saturday that the return ticket facility has been reinstated on an experimental basis since Friday. The primary objective is to reduce long queues at booking counters, especially during peak hours, and to streamline the travel experience for daily commuters.
"Since Friday, we have resumed the return ticket facility on an experimental basis, to ease congestion at the booking counters. This is being done for the convenience of the commuters," Kannan stated, highlighting the railway's commitment to improving passenger services.
Implementation and Ticket Details
The return ticket facility was officially launched by Metro Railway General Manager Subhransu Sekhar Mishra on Friday. Unlike the previous system, the new return tickets are issued as paper QR code tickets, while the traditional plastic tokens remain single-use only. This shift marks a departure from the old paper magnetic strip ticket system, which was discontinued in 2011, leading to the suspension of the return ticket facility at that time.
Passengers opting for this facility will benefit from not having to purchase separate tickets for their return journey. This innovation is expected to save valuable time and enhance mobility across different metro corridors, as confirmed by the CPRO.
Usage Guidelines and Passenger Advisory
To avail of the return journey, passengers must complete their ride on the same date indicated on the ticket. Kannan emphasized the importance of ticket preservation, stating, "Passengers are requested to preserve their tickets (QR-coded) for their return journey and not lose them. Unless they swipe it to get through the automatic fare collection gates, they won't be allowed to take the second journey, even if they have paid for the ticket."
This measure ensures that the system operates smoothly and prevents any misuse of the facility.
Addressing Passenger Demands and Technological Barriers
For an extended period, Metro Railway has actively promoted the use of multi-ride smartcards and online payment methods to minimize queues at booking counters. However, many passengers have persistently demanded the return of same-day return tickets, citing various practical challenges.
Anjali Poddar, a resident of Baranagar who works as a caregiver for a patient in Salt Lake, shared her perspective: "Not everyone is tech savvy. Nor are all passengers ready to spend the higher costs for smartcards. But most single-day users are sure of taking a return journey. It's good that Metro Railway has finally thought of people like us. I can spare myself the hassle of waiting at the booking counters at the end of the day."
Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among commuters who prefer simpler, more cost-effective ticketing options over digital alternatives.
Future Implications and Commuter Benefits
The reintroduction of the return ticket facility is poised to significantly benefit daily commuters, particularly those who make round trips within a single day. By eliminating the need to queue twice for tickets, this initiative not only saves time but also reduces physical congestion at metro stations.
As the service operates on an experimental basis, Metro Railway will likely monitor its usage and effectiveness to make potential adjustments. This revival underscores the railway's responsiveness to passenger feedback and its ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility in Kolkata.
