In a first for Indian Railways, the South Western Railway (SWR) has rolled out the Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (MUTS) Sahayak service at the Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru City railway station. The initiative aims to ease passenger congestion and provide a faster, more convenient way to purchase unreserved tickets.

A first-of-its-kind initiative in India

According to SWR officials, the zone has become the first in India to implement the MUTS Sahayak ticketing scheme. The pilot project was launched after the Railway Board identified KSR Bengaluru as one of the five NSG-1 category stations across the country for initial implementation.

Under the new system, MUTS Sahayaks — authorised personnel equipped with handheld devices — are deployed at the station to issue unreserved tickets directly to passengers. This initiative complements existing ticketing methods and is expected to significantly reduce queues at ticket counters, especially during peak travel hours.

Enhancing passenger convenience

The MUTS Sahayak ticketing model leverages technology to simplify the unreserved ticketing process. Using mobile-based devices connected to the central ticketing network, the Sahayaks can generate and print tickets instantly. This ensures that passengers can purchase tickets without having to stand in long lines at traditional counters or use automated vending machines.

SWR officials said that the new system not only saves time but also improves the overall passenger experience by offering greater accessibility and efficiency. The introduction of MUTS devices supports the Indian Railways’ ongoing push toward digitalisation and passenger-friendly innovation.

KSR Bengaluru among pilot stations

KSR Bengaluru was chosen for the pilot scheme due to its high daily footfall and strategic significance as one of the busiest railway hubs in southern India. The station serves lakhs of passengers each day, making it an ideal testing ground for the MUTS initiative before it is expanded to other key locations.

Railway officials noted that the early response from passengers has been positive, with many appreciating the faster ticketing option, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.

Expected benefits and expansion plans

The MUTS Sahayak ticketing system is expected to reduce crowding at counters, cut waiting times, and encourage cashless transactions. Officials said the pilot’s success would pave the way for expansion to other major railway stations across the South Western Railway zone and beyond.

With this step, SWR continues to position itself at the forefront of digital innovation within Indian Railways, reaffirming its focus on efficiency, customer convenience, and modernisation.