The Pune railway division has introduced a novel facility allowing passengers to book train tickets directly through select post offices, a move expected to ease travel planning and reduce station congestion. The initiative, launched jointly by Indian Railways and the Postal Department, has initially been rolled out at Uruli Kanchan and Ichalkaranji post offices, marking a first step towards wider coverage across the region.
The system enables travellers to complete ticket bookings using standard Passenger Reservation System (PRS) procedures at post offices. Passengers provide their Aadhaar and valid identification, after which a printed ticket is issued. This approach particularly benefits commuters from semi-urban and rural areas, who often face limited access to online booking platforms or crowded railway counters. Early data indicates substantial uptake: Ichalkaranji post office processed approximately 5,000 bookings between April and September, averaging 28 per day, while Uruli Kanchan recorded 1,676 bookings, around nine daily. Officials note that these figures are expected to rise as awareness grows, particularly during peak travel periods such as festivals or holidays.
An official explained, “Integrating ticketing with local post offices extends railway services closer to communities. It is a practical step towards improving accessibility, reducing queues, and offering inclusive convenience for all citizens.” Another expert highlighted that leveraging existing public infrastructure like post offices aligns with broader sustainable urban mobility goals by decentralising service access and reducing unnecessary travel. The facility also streamlines operations at railway stations, allowing staff to focus on complex bookings and reducing pressure during peak hours. Authorities are evaluating the performance of this pilot phase before extending the service to additional post offices within the Pune division.
Beyond convenience, this initiative demonstrates a practical approach to inclusive urban service design. By bringing essential public services closer to residents, authorities encourage equitable access and reduce the environmental footprint of unnecessary travel. It aligns with broader sustainable city planning objectives by integrating transport services with community infrastructure. For residents, the post office booking system represents a simple, reliable way to secure train tickets, improving overall travel experience. Officials urge passengers to take advantage of the service and provide feedback to support its expansion and refinement.
Pune Launches Railway Ticket Booking Via Local Post Offices
