• Over 53% of train passengers use digital and self-service channels
• Nearly one lakh passed through Mysuru Railway Station on Oct. 21
• ATVMs recorded a 33.23% increase in passenger usage
• Increased adoption of digital ticketing reduced queues at counters

Mysuru: The Mysuru Division of South Western Railway (SWR) successfully managed the heavy passenger rush at Mysuru Railway Station during the peak of Dasara celebrations on Oct. 21.

Nearly one lakh passengers passed through the station during the day, highlighting the importance of efficient crowd management and convenient ticketing facilities during major festivals.

A significant milestone was achieved in ticketing, with 53.4% of departing passengers using digital and self-service channels, including Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and the UTS mobile application.

The increased use of these facilities helped reduce dependence on conventional ticket counters, improve passenger movement and make the travel experience more convenient during the festive rush.

Key highlights of Dasara operations

1. Significant growth in ATVMs usage: Automatic Ticket Vending Machines emerged as an important ticketing option during the festival. On Oct. 21, 17,700 passengers used ATVMs, compared with 13,285 passengers in 2025, registering an increase of 33.23%.

Revenue generated through ATVMs also increased by 32.10%, reaching Rs. 10.61 lakh. The availability of UPI QR-code payment facilities on the machines enabled passengers to make quick and convenient digital payments while purchasing tickets.

2. Increasing preference for mobile ticketing: The UTS mobile application continued to gain acceptance among passengers. The number of passengers using the app increased by 13.04%, reaching 5,495. The number of tickets booked through the app registered an increase of 18.72%, as reported.

The mobile application enabled passengers to obtain paperless tickets on their phones before reaching the station, reducing the need to stand in queues and encouraging convenient, environmentally friendly travel.

3. Reduced dependence on conventional ticket counters: The growing use of self-service ticketing facilities helped reduce passenger dependence on conventional booking counters.

The number of passengers using manual ticket counters declined from 26,180 in last year to 20,018 in this year, a reduction of 23.54%. Transactions at booking windows also decreased by 20.14%. This shift helped ease congestion around the booking counters and station concourse, facilitating smoother passenger movement and more orderly access to platforms.

4. Affordable and accessible regional travel: Unreserved ticketing operations on the peak day generated a revenue of Rs. 25.33 lakh from 23,277 tickets, compared with Rs. 28.56 lakh in 2025, representing a decline of 11.33%. The average ticket revenue also decreased from Rs. 63.70 in last year to Rs. 58.28 in this year. The figures indicate a change in the average ticket value and may reflect the travel patterns of passengers undertaking shorter journeys.

Rail services continued to play an important role in providing affordable and convenient transport for passengers travelling to destinations such as Mandya, Ramanagara and Bengaluru during the major cultural festival.

Commenting on the arrangements, Girish Dharmaraj Kalagonda, Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) and Public Relations Officer (PRO), SWR Mysuru Division, said: “Our primary focus during this year’s Dasara was passenger safety, convenience and reducing waiting time at ticket counters. The use of digital and self-service ticketing facilities by 53.4% of departing passengers marks a significant step towards more efficient passenger services. Nearly one lakh passengers passed through Mysuru Railway Station on the peak day, making effective crowd management and smooth passenger movement essential. The increased use of ATVM and mobile ticketing helped reduce dependence on conventional booking counters & improve convenience for passengers.”

“We thank the travelling public for embracing digital and paperless ticketing and for co-operating with railway staff in ensuring safe, smooth and orderly travel during the Dasara celebrations.” he added.