Surat (Gujarat) [India], July 15 (ANI): In a major push to the Digital India initiative, the Mumbai Division of Western Railway has crossed the ₹100 crore mark in digital payment collections over the past year, covering its extensive network of approximately 97 stations. The milestone highlights Indian Railways’ continued strides toward a fully digital ecosystem.
Official data released by Western Railway reveals that the Mumbai Division leads the country in digital payment collections, reflecting its commitment to advancing India’s digital transformation. Traditionally dependent on cash transactions at ticket counters and for other services, the division has transitioned rapidly to digital payment systems.
Ganesh Jadhav, Chief Commercial Manager (CMI) of Surat, credited the introduction of QR code payments and the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app for ticket booking as key contributors to this success.
Earlier in May, Western Railway also partnered with Chhota Bheem, the popular Indian animated character, to bolster its educational and outreach efforts among passengers.
Speaking to ANI, Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Vineet Abhishek explained, “Chhota Bheem is a 100 per cent Indian character that entertains and educates kids. We try to reach our passengers on matters of safety and responsible behaviour. When the Prime Minister mentioned the character in his Mann Ki Baat, we decided to collaborate with the franchise to extend our messaging to families through children.”
Abhishek noted that children are often effective messengers, helping families absorb important information. “Usually our passengers are adults, but by reaching kids through Chhota Bheem, we also reach parents. If kids convey the message, it resonates better,” he said.
A press release from the CPRO outlined plans for a year-long, nonconventional outreach campaign featuring Chhota Bheem and his family across multiple formats — print, digital, television, radio, posters, and school programs. The initiative seeks to promote railway safety and responsible behaviour in railway premises, particularly targeting young audiences and families.
This strategic partnership and the impressive digital payment milestone underscore Western Railway’s innovative approach to modernization and passenger engagement.
(ANI)
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