Sheila Dikshit launches mobile ticketing van

New Delhi, Jan 12 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday launched the first ever-mobile ticketing van 'Mushkil Aasan' for issuing reserved and unreserved train tickets in the capital.

Ministers of State for Railways, KH Muniyappa was also present on the occasion.

Sheila Dikshit flagged off 2248/2247 Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bandra Terminus "Yuva Express Super Fast train" from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station on the occasion.

The "Mushkil Aassan" mobile van has been introduced with the idea of taking the issuance of computerized tickets both reserved and unreserved to the grassroots and it will work from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at different locations from Monday to Saturday, while Sunday will be utilized for its maintenance.

The cost of the ticket will be the same as that of tickets purchased from the usual Passenger Reservation System counters.

Earlier on January 8, 2010, Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had launched the mobile ticketing van 'Mushkil Aasaan' as a pilot project.

The mobile ticketing vans 'Mushkil Aasaan' for issuing reserved and unreserved tickets are being introduced in both urban and rural areas so that poor people, who are unable to go to the stations, can now purchase tickets in market places, and other busy places.

The new low-cost air-conditioned 'Yuva' trains with seated accommodation are dedicated specially for the young generation and passengers of low-income groups.

These trains will run with a fare ranging from as low as Rs. 80/- for first 100 km and Rs 299 up to 1500 km and maximum of Rs 399 up to 2500 km. At present these trains are proposed to run as a weekly service on pilot project basis between Mumbai- Delhi and New Delhi -Kolkata.

Mamata Banerjee had flagged off the first train of this group from Howrah to New Delhi on December 30, 2009.

These trains will reserve 60 per cent accommodation for the youth and passengers of low-income group, while the remaining accommodation will be available to all other passengers.

To avail this Yuva facility the youth has to carry the necessary documents as proof of birth and unemployment. For the general passenger normal fare of travel will be charged.

'Yuva' trains are targeted mainly for the unemployed youths of the country. The objective is to ensure that the youth and low-income groups can travel at low rates between major cities.

Mamata Banerjee had earlier announced to launch the mobile ticketing van, while presenting the Railway Budget 2009-10 in the Parliament. (ANI)