0
0
THE UNSEEN JOURNEY: WHY SUBURBAN TRAINS ARE THE SMART CHOICE FOR EVERY COMMUTER
• Buy proper journey ticket for smart journey
Kolkata, December 12, 2024:
It’s early morning. The bustling platforms of Sealdah and Howrah come alive with commuters from every walk of life—office-goers in crisp shirts and ties, school children with their satchels, factory workers, and students lost in their books. Despite their different destinations, they all have one thing in common—they rely on the suburban trains to get to where they need to go, quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
In the heart of Kolkata, where the clock never stops ticking, suburban trains serve as the lifeline for millions of daily commuters. Whether it’s the executive rushing to the office, the student heading to school, or the labourer traveling to the factory, everyone finds comfort in the convenience of the railway. The reasons are clear: suburban trains are affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly—making them the perfect choice for anyone looking to travel around the city or beyond.
For daily commuters, the cost of road transport is an ongoing concern. A typical taxi ride from Sealdah to Sodepur, a distance of about 16 kilometres, can cost anywhere between Rs. 300-600, depending on traffic conditions which is just Rs.5 in train . Likewise, a bus ride might cost around Rs. 50-80 for the same journey. On the other hand, a suburban train offers this route for a fraction of the price, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to save money on daily travel. Even a relatively short journey, such as from Howrah to Seoraphuli (22 km), which costs around Rs. 40-50 by bus, can be completed on the train for just ₹10/-.
Similarly, journeys between Sealdah and Bangaon (about 78 km) can be completed for a minimal fare of just Rs.20, compared to a road transport fare that could range between Rs. 500-1200. The Sealdah-Bangaon route serves a significant number of passengers, offering them an affordable and dependable alternative to the crowded roads. For longer journeys such as Howrah to Barddhaman (about 94 km), where bus fares can range from Rs. 150 to Rs. 550, suburban trains provide the same route for just Rs. 25, offering comfort and reliability at a fraction of the price.
While road transport might seem like a convenient choice, it often comes with hidden drawbacks. Kolkata’s roads are infamous for their heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, leading to delayed commutes and rising fuel costs. This makes road transport not only expensive but also unpredictable. In contrast, suburban trains run on dedicated tracks, ensuring passengers a faster, more reliable journey. The trains are not affected by traffic, and the journey time remains consistent, even during rush hours.
In addition to the cost and speed advantages, suburban trains are also the more environmentally friendly option. As the city struggles with air pollution, choosing the train helps reduce the overall carbon footprint. Suburban trains produce fewer emissions per passenger compared to cars and buses, and the electrification of the network is moving towards renewable energy, making it an even more sustainable choice for the city’s commuters. Unlike road transport, which contributes significantly to pollution, suburban trains provide a cleaner, greener way to travel.
While suburban trains offer a host of benefits, passengers must remember to travel responsibly. Ticketless travel is against the rules and can result in penalties depending on the distance and category of train. To avoid the inconvenience of paying extra fines, passengers are strongly encouraged to buy their tickets before boarding the train. This simple step ensures a smooth journey without the burden of additional charges. To facilitate convenient ticketing, Eastern Railway offers multitude of ticket booking options, including UTS on mobile, ATVM, and QR code payments. Passengers are urged to make the most of these services and ensure they possess a valid ticket before boarding any train.
Despite the numerous benefits and affordable fares, ticketless travel remains a persistent issue on suburban trains, and the figures are alarmingly high. Every day, a significant number of passengers board trains without purchasing tickets, either due to negligence or the temptation of avoiding the small cost of the fare. This behaviour not only disrupts the revenue system of the railway but also poses a challenge for ensuring fair travel for all. The Eastern Railway has been actively monitoring this issue, and reports show that thousands of passengers are found traveling without valid tickets, leading to considerable losses. It is important to remember that ticketless travel not only deprives the railways of much-needed revenue but also undermines the efforts of law-abiding passengers who follow the rules.
The figures of ticketless travellers apprehended during ticket checking drive are as follows: –
In November 2024, a total of 1,772 checks were conducted, resulting in an astonishing 125,476 cases being detected and penalized. The figures for December 2024, up until December 10, are equally alarming, with 41,399 cases uncovered across just 603 checks. These checks, which include fortress checks, Magistrate checks, Vivek special, Jagriti special, and mid-section checks is a testament of allround endeavour of Eastern Railway for the detection of violations and spreading the message to purchase proper journey ticket.
Eastern Railway urges all passengers to be responsible and contribute to a smooth, hassle-free travel experience by ensuring they purchase a valid ticket before boarding the train. Ticketless travel not only invites penalties but also impacts the overall efficiency of the railway system, which thrives on the cooperation of its commuters. With fares as low as Rs. 5 and the convenience, speed, and environmental benefits of suburban trains, there is no reason to bypass ticketing. Travel smart, travel responsibly, and help keep the system running smoothly for all. Let us all work together to maintain the integrity of this vital mode of transport.
