Sonpur division leads ECR in ATVM sales, and Muzaffarpur Junction tops with a record 3963 smart card distribution.
Patna, May 16, 2025: In an impressive achievement, the Sonpur Division of East Central Railway (ECR) has emerged as the top-performing division in promoting Automated Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM), usage, setting a benchmark for digital ticketing solutions across Indian Railways.
Six stations in the Sonpur division are leading smart card sales:
Among three divisions of ECR, Muzaffarpur Junction has achieved the highest ATVP ticket sales, leading with a stellar per-terminal transaction average.
Muzaffarpur sold 3963 ATVM smart cards, recording an average of 660 tickets per vending machine, the highest across the region.
Besides Muzaffarpur, Hajipur achieved the second position with 1514 ATVM smart cards with average 505 per vending machine in the Sonpur division.
Begusarai in third position with 1423 ATVM smart cards with an average of 474 per vending machine.
Khagaria is in fourth position in the Sonpur division with 1844 ATVM smart cards with an average of 461 per vending machine.
Manasi is in fifth position in the Sonpur division with 847 ATVM smart cards with an average of 424 per vending machine.
Sonpur Junction is in sixth position in the Sonpur division with 801 ATVM smart cards with an average of 401 per vending machine.
Saharsa in the Samastipur division is in seventh position with 762 ATVM smart cards with an average of 254 per vending machine.
Patna Junction under the Danapur division is in eighth position with 2357 ATVM smart cards with an average of 236 per vending machine.
Naugachia in the Sonpur division is in ninth position with 459 ATVM smart cards with an average of 230 per vending machine.
Patliputra Junction under the Danapur division is on the tenth position with 489 ATVM smart cards with an average 163 per vending machine.
With six out of the top ten stations based in the Sonpur Division, and most leading in average ticket sales per terminal, the region exemplifies efficiency, innovation, and passenger engagement.
Sonpur Division has opted for various awareness campaigns to educate travellers:
This success is created by Sonpur Division’s comprehensive awareness campaigns, including Nukkad Nataks Street Play) at stations to educate passengers, social media drives to promote smart card benefits, and frequent station announcements guiding passengers towards digital ticketing.
Daily monitoring and assistance, with facilitators deployed at every ATVM unit also makes Sonpur the first division to provide dedicated personnel at each terminal.
The division also holds the record for the highest ATVM smart card sales within ECR bolstered by its flagship initiative, Raho Smart, Banao ATVM Smart Card.”
Distinguished public figures—including MPs, ministers, business leaders, and celebrities—participated by purchasing cards to promote the campaign.
According to a senior officer of Sonpur Division, an initiative called red train ticket-checking campaigns and ATVM promotion drives will continue in the future to curb ticketless travel and boost convenience.
The Railway Administration reiterated its appeal to passengers to use smart cards and ATVMs for a faster, cashless, and hassle-free journey experience.
Also Read: Sonpur division launches major litchi transport plan from Bihar, targets 22,100 tons shipment.
EOM.