Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) has reported strong uptake of the Mobile UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) Sahayaks initiative, with the service generating ₹3.54 crore over four months while facilitating travel for nearly 2.70 lakh passengers. Launched on October 31, 2025, the programme aims to streamline unreserved ticketing, reduce waiting times, and offer commuters a more convenient and accessible alternative to traditional counters.
The initiative currently deploys three mobile agents across the station, each equipped with portable ticket-printing devices and mobile phones, enabling on-the-spot ticket issuance throughout concourse areas, waiting zones, and railway premises. Passengers can pay using either cash or digital methods, reducing transactional friction and improving operational efficiency. The service recorded peak performance in February 2026, issuing over 53,000 tickets to 72,783 passengers and generating revenue of ₹1.08 crore. Monthly data reveals a steady growth trajectory: November 2025 saw 37,285 tickets sold for 54,184 passengers, followed by December 2025 with 49,167 tickets for 70,462 passengers. January 2026 recorded 50,306 tickets for 72,569 passengers, culminating in February’s record figures. A senior official highlighted that the consistent increase reflects both commuter acceptance and the operational scalability of mobile ticketing systems in high-density urban stations.
Urban transport analysts note that initiatives like Mobile UTS Sahayaks are increasingly relevant in India’s largest cities, where passenger volumes routinely exceed station infrastructure capacity. “Mobile ticketing reduces physical congestion, accelerates passenger throughput, and integrates seamlessly with digital payments, supporting broader objectives of sustainable and people-centric urban mobility,” said a transport planning expert. The programme complements other ticketing innovations such as Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and UTS mobile applications, forming part of Central Railway’s strategy to modernise commuter services and enhance operational reliability, especially during peak travel periods and festive seasons. Similar deployments at major stations including New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai underline its growing national adoption.
Beyond passenger convenience, the initiative supports data-driven service planning. Mobile ticketing generates real-time insights into travel patterns, peak demand periods, and passenger flow, which can inform scheduling, resource allocation, and infrastructure investment. Analysts highlight that this is particularly relevant for high-density corridors where even incremental efficiency gains translate into significant reductions in congestion and waiting times. As urban rail networks expand, integrating mobile and digital ticketing platforms will be critical to sustaining commuter satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance. Officials indicate that ongoing monitoring and iterative enhancements, such as additional mobile agents and integration with smart fare systems, will further optimise the service while promoting a seamless travel experience.
CSMT Mobile Ticketing Generates Over Crore Revenue
