In a significant move to enhance passenger convenience, Pune Junction railway station has officially launched a new digital locker service. The facility was inaugurated on Wednesday on platform number one as part of the Indian Railways' ongoing non-fare revenue initiatives.
Location and Details of the New Facility
The digital locker bank has been set up at the Mumbai-end of the station, positioned conveniently beside a multipurpose stall. The installation comprises a total of 24 lockers in three different sizes to cater to varying luggage needs: medium, large, and extra large.
Pricing Structure for Different Locker Sizes
The railway administration has announced a transparent and tiered rental system for the lockers. For the medium-sized lockers, which have four doors, the rent is set at Rs 60 for up to six hours and Rs 140 for up to 24 hours.
The large lockers, featuring eleven doors, are priced at Rs 140 for six hours and Rs 170 for a full day. The most spacious option, the extra large lockers with eight doors, cost Rs 170 for six hours and Rs 270 for 24 hours.
How to Use the QR and OTP-Based System
Hemant Kumar Behera, the Divisional Commercial Manager and PRO of the Pune rail division, explained the simple, contactless process for passengers. "Passengers will first need to scan a QR code displayed at the unit," he said. "An OTP will then be sent to their registered mobile number."
Subsequently, users must select the desired locker size and rental duration on the attached machine interface. Payment is completed by scanning the QR code once again. Only after successful payment will the assigned locker door open for luggage storage.
To retrieve belongings, the user must rescan the QR code, enter the fresh OTP received on their phone into the machine, and the locker will open. The system also includes a provision for setting a personal password for added security.
Important Rules and Passenger Support
Behera highlighted an important rule regarding overstays. If a passenger exceeds the pre-paid time duration, the outstanding balance must be cleared before the locker can be opened again. To assist users with any issues during storage or retrieval, a dedicated helpline number — 18002678737 — has been prominently displayed on all digital locker units.
This initiative marks a step towards modernizing passenger amenities at one of Maharashtra's key railway stations, offering a secure, automated, and flexible solution for luggage storage woes.
