The Indian Railways has made significant changes to the process of booking e-tickets through the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) mobile app, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility.
Previous Geofencing Restrictions
Previously, the UTSonMobile app, developed by the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS), imposed geofencing restrictions on users. This meant that individuals had to be within a specific proximity of their requested boarding station to book tickets. These restrictions required users to be at least 15 meters and within 2 kilometers of their boarding station.
Railway Board’s Directive
In a recent circular issued by CRIS, it was announced that the Railway Board has directed the removal of the outer limit geofencing restriction for both journey and platform tickets on the UTSonMobile App, effective immediately. This decision aims to simplify the ticket booking process and make it more convenient for commuters.
Freedom to Book from Any Location
With the removal of geofencing restrictions, commuters can now book tickets from any location to any destination, irrespective of their current whereabouts. For example, a commuter at CSMT can easily book a ticket for a journey starting from Kurla to Thane, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
Important Considerations
It’s important to note that the journey must commence from the originating station within one hour of ticket booking to ensure validity. Additionally, commuters will still be unable to book tickets via the app while within station premises or aboard trains, preventing misuse of the system.
Expected Impact
The decision to remove geofencing restrictions is expected to significantly boost the usage of the UTSonmobile app. Currently, only 25 percent of commuters utilize the app for ticket bookings. By enhancing accessibility and ease of use, more commuters are likely to adopt digital ticketing solutions, leading to increased efficiency and convenience for all passengers.
