Mumbai Railways Introduce Dynamic QR Codes To Stop Ticketless Travel
Mumbai Railways is set to introduce dynamic QR codes across its suburban network to curb rampant ticketless travel, closing a loophole that has cost revenue and undermined fair travel for genuine commuters.Â
The move follows widespread abuse of static QR codes linked to the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app. These codes, originally placed at station entrances to bypass geofencing restrictions and ease crowding at ticket counters, were copied and circulated online. Commuters could simply save them in their phone galleries and buy tickets at the last moment  often only when spotting ticket inspectors without being anywhere near the station.This misuse not only drained railway revenue but also skewed passenger data crucial for crowd management and urban mobility planning. The static codes’ fixed nature meant they could be reused indefinitely, effectively bypassing the intended location-based restriction of the UTS app, which requires booking from at least 20–25 metres away from the station or tracks.
Dynamic QR codes will now replace the static stickers with digital screens displaying codes that refresh at regular intervals. By embedding time-sensitive and station-specific data, the new system will render stored or shared codes useless. Officials believe this upgrade will restore fairness in fare collection and support accurate passenger counts for better service planning.The change aligns with sustainable mobility goals, ensuring every passenger contributes fairly to the upkeep of public transport infrastructure. Railway experts emphasise that technology-led enforcement, combined with equitable fare policies, is key to building a reliable and eco-friendly mass transit system for a city as dense as Mumbai.While the technology will initially be deployed in the Mumbai Central Division, covering both suburban and non-suburban sections, its success could set the template for similar rollouts in other urban railway hubs. The system will also reduce paper ticket use, furthering the push towards zero-carbon urban transport operations.
Officials acknowledge that such upgrades require commuter cooperation. The intent, they stress, is not to penalise but to ensure fairness and sustainability,especially in a city where local trains form the lifeline of millions and any misuse impacts the collective good.If executed swiftly and efficiently, dynamic QR codes could become a turning point in how Mumbai manages its train ticketing, striking a balance between commuter convenience and systemic integrity.
