Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082258870300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Cheaper version on the cards

Special Correspondent

Smart card at Rs.50 for train commuters

File Photo

IN OFFING: Suburban train commuters will have one more facility; cheaper smart card. It is expected to go down well with them. —

CHENNAI: Southern Railway will introduce a cheaper version of the smart card for travel in suburban trains in Chennai and for purchase of platform tickets. This will be available for Rs.50. The refundable security deposit on this card will be Rs.30.

Presently, smart cards are available for Rs.100 (travel value - Rs.52, refundable deposit – Rs.50; the additional value is an incentive to purchase) and the deposit is refunded if the card is returned within the period of its validity and is not mutilated. The card is valid for six months from the date of its last refill. Refund is also available on the card if an unused or partially used smart card is given after deducting a charge of Rs.10. No duplicate card will be issued in case of theft or loss of the card.

Patronage for the smart cards was one of the many issues that came up for discussions at the review meeting chaired by Union Minister of State for Railways, R.Velu, at the Southern Railway headquarters here on Thursday.

On the patronage for the Railway’s smart cards for suburban commuting, the Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Marketing) S.Anantharaman said that after a special drive recently, about 20,000 people had bought the cards. On an average about 8,000 persons used the card every day. Southern Railway General Manager Rakesh Chopra said that the smart card was very handy and a smart way to travel. One need not stand in a queue and a ticket could be purchased at the mere click of a button. He appealed to people to make use of the facility in a bigger way.

The Railways had also launched a campaign to ensure that the usage increased substantially. It was towards this end that the Rs.50 card was introduced. The Rs.100 card can be recharged in multiples of Rs.50.

One more foot overbridge

Responding to a question, Mr.Velu said that he would examine the possibility of an additional foot overbridge at Mambalam station.

It was pointed out to him that a large number of people used the existing foot overbridge and that it was very crowded during rush hour and, on festival days and discount sale days, through the day.