The queue at the unreserved counter is where a student's trip home often begins badly. On November 5, the railway said it has launched its mobile unreserved ticketing system (M-UTS) at Jammu railway station to ease exactly that, with the festival season in mind.
How does it work?
- Commercial staff carry handheld devices with Bluetooth thermal printers and issue unreserved journey and platform tickets on the spot.
- They work at platforms, waiting halls and other crowded areas.
- Payment can be made in cash or by scanning a UPI QR code.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the initiative would reduce queues at ticket counters, save passengers' time and help manage crowds during festivals and emergencies.
Five sahayak posts
The railway has also invited applications from eligible candidates for five M-UTS sahayak posts to assist passengers and ensure smooth operations. Retired railway employees may be given preference as per rules. The report does not give a last date, pay or eligibility criteria, so check the railway's notice before applying.
What else is in place for the rush?
Separately, the Jammu Railway Division said it has put 24-hour war rooms and control rooms in place at major stations for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Extra ticket-checking staff, RPF and GRP personnel and Scouts and Guides are deployed, especially at Jammu Tawi, with CCTV on gates, platforms, foot overbridges and waiting halls. Additional booking counters are open, ATVM facilitators are helping passengers, and travellers are encouraged to use UTS mobile ticketing and the newly introduced RailOne app. The medical department has arranged doctors, first-aid kits and wheelchairs.
Passengers are asked not to carry firecrackers or inflammable materials; the division says doing so is a punishable offence. No special trains or helpline numbers were listed in the reports.
Before you travel
- Allow time at Jammu Tawi anyway; the crowd is the point of the exercise.
- Keep UPI ready or small change for cash.
- Travelling to Katra or Srinagar? See our Vande Bharat field guide.
Sources: Greater Kashmir (PTI), November 5, 2026; The Tribune, November 5, 2026.
