Cashless Transactions At 588 Booking Counters In Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar, has equipped 588 booking counters with QR code machines across its five divisions in a bid to support ‘Digital India’ and enable cashless transactions, officials said on Monday.

Guwahati, Nov 4: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar, has equipped 588 booking counters with QR code machines across its five divisions in a bid to support ‘Digital India’ and enable cashless transactions, officials said on Monday.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that 588 numbers of booking counters with QR code machines have been installed in five divisions -- Katihar, Rangiya, Alipurduar, Lumding, and Tinsukia.

He said that this initiative ensures that passengers at almost all major stations within the NFR network can benefit from seamless digital payments, making ticketing more convenient and efficient.

The digital booking counters have been strategically distributed, with 167 in Katihar, 96 in Alipurduar, 87 in Rangiya, 175 in Lumding, and 63 in Tinsukia.

The CPRO said that with the ongoing festive season, NFR has launched several special trains to manage the passenger rush and demand.

The availability of QR code machines at booking counters is especially beneficial for festival rush travellers, allowing them to avoid lengthy queues for cash transactions and opt for faster digital payment modes, he pointed out.

According to Sharma, this setup not only enhances passenger convenience but also aligns with safety protocols by minimising cash handling, ensuring a smoother journey for all.

The official said that the QR Code-based ticketing system would allow passengers to book their tickets through various digital platforms. Passengers can scan the QR code at the station to obtain their tickets without the need for physical interaction.

This move is expected to reduce queues at ticket counters, minimising the use of cash, and ensuring a faster and more secure ticket purchasing process.

The introduction of QR Code machines for cashless ticketing is another milestone achieved by NFR towards its efforts for modernising passenger services with enhanced amenities, the railway official said.

Adopting innovative technologies in ticketing systems will further make travelling easier and safer for train passengers.

Earlier, the implementation of mobile app-based ticketing systems through the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app has already been adopted by NFR.

This app allows passengers to book unreserved tickets from the comfort of their homes using their smartphones for their planned journeys.

The ‘Digital India’ initiative aims to promote three C’s -- Contactless ticketing, Cashless transactions and Customer convenience and experience.

--IANS

Read More Odisha News

Four Arrested, Cop Injured After Protest At Hindu Temple In Canada

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Ottawa, Nov 5: The Peel Regional Police said on Monday that four people were arrested and a police officer was injured following several protests in Mississauga and Brampton last week, including one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.

In a news statement published on Monday, the police said officers were called to an unnamed place of worship near The Gore Road in Brampton in response to a "trespassing complaint by a group of protestors".

The Police said the protesters then moved to two other locations in Mississauga, including one in the area of Goreway and Etude drives and another near Airport and Drew roads.

"Although these demonstrations occurred at three different locations, they appear to be related to one another. Several incidents between protestors and worshippers broke out," the police said in a statement, adding that one officer sustained minor injuries during one of the incidents.

Videos circulating online appeared to show people fighting outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, which is located just off of The Gore Road, during a protest in the area where Khalistan flags, representative of the push for Sikh independence within India, were seen.

Police identified the suspects arrested as 42-year-old Mississauga resident Dilpreet Singh Bouns, a 23-year-old Brampton resident -- identified only as Vikas -- and a 31-year-old man from Mississauga named Amritpal Singh as the suspects.

A fourth individual, who was not identified, was arrested on an outstanding unrelated warrant and released.

Police said an off-duty Peel police officer was also seen in a video circulating online taking part in one of the demonstrations. The unnamed officer has been suspended, pending an investigation.

"We are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended per the Community Safety and Policing Act," a statement provided by Peel police on Monday states.

"We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi have both issued statements about the incident, with the former saying the "acts of violence" were "unacceptable".

"Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," Trudeau wrote.

For PM Narendra Modi's part, he called the incident at Hindu Sabha Mandir a "deliberate attack".

"Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," he said.

According to the group Sikhs for Justice, Khalistan supporters were protesting the presence of Indian officials who were visiting the temple and providing consular services.

The incident marks another low point between the two countries.

Last month, Ottawa accused India's Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting Sikh activists, which the Indian government has rejected.

Previously, Trudeau said there were "credible allegations" that the Indian government was connected to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year.

--IANS

Cashless Transactions At 588 Booking Counters In Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

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