Purnia Junction in Bihar has begun a phased modernisation aimed at easing passenger flow and upgrading on-platform amenities. The railway administration has installed four automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) that allow travellers to scan a QR code on their mobile phones and obtain tickets instantly, a step officials say will reduce long queues and shorten waiting times.
Purnia Junction modernisation brings digital ticketing
Station Superintendent Munna Kumar said the QR code ticketing will make short journeys and last-minute travel more convenient. “Passengers can now scan a code on their phone and receive a valid ticket within moments,” he noted. The new system complements existing counters and aims to redistribute footfall across the station, reducing congestion at peak hours.
The modernisation does not stop at ticketing. Authorities have planned several passenger-centric interventions to improve accessibility, information and hygiene. A dedicated counter for passengers with disabilities will provide assisted services, while digital display boards will provide accurate, up-to-the-minute information on arrivals and departures to help passengers plan transfers more effectively.
To tackle cleanliness, the station has introduced mechanised cleaning machines to maintain platforms and waiting areas. Officials say these machines will enhance the frequency and quality of cleaning, contributing to a safer and more comfortable environment for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
Local residents and frequent travellers have welcomed the changes. Many noted that the combination of faster ticketing, clear digital information and improved cleanliness will make commuting more predictable and less stressful. “This is a big step towards modern facilities at Purnia Junction,” said one regular passenger, adding that the upgrades would particularly benefit elderly travellers and those with limited mobility.
Railway administrators described the recent work as part of a broader plan to bring world-class amenities to the station. Officials say further enhancements are under consideration, including improvements to seating, lighting and passenger shelters, and upgrades to restrooms and drinking-water facilities.
Transportation experts say that small, targeted interventions such as QR code ticketing and digital signboards can produce outsized benefits in regional stations. Faster ticketing reduces queues and dwell time, while reliable information reduces missed connections and improves the overall passenger experience. For a station like Purnia Junction, which serves a mix of local and intercity traffic, these benefits are likely to be felt across commuter groups.
The upgrades also align with broader digitalisation efforts within Indian Railways to streamline services and deploy customer-facing technologies at more stations. As administrators monitor usage patterns, they will be better placed to decide which additional facilities to prioritise next.
For now, the combination of QR code-enabled ticketing, enhanced accessibility, digital information systems and mechanised cleaning marks a clear push to modernise Purnia Junction. Officials say the changes are intended to be practical and immediately beneficial to passengers while laying the groundwork for further improvements in the months ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Purnia Junction modernisation introduces QR code ticketing via four ATVMs to cut queues and speed boarding.
- Accessibility and information: dedicated counters for passengers with disabilities and digital signboards for real-time train updates.
- Improved cleanliness and comfort through mechanised cleaning and plans for additional world-class facilities.
- Local commuters welcome the upgrades as a significant step in station modernisation and service delivery.
