Passengers at Ernakulam Junction railway station in Kochi are facing significant inconvenience as ticket counters at the eastern entrance, near platform number 6, have been closed since last week. The closure has led to long queues at the main entrance, particularly during peak hours.
Long Queues and Delays
At the main entrance, there are five automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) and three reservation counters. However, the area is now overcrowded with commuters seeking unreserved tickets and those making reservations. A commuter, Manoj Mathew, reported waiting nearly 20 minutes to get an unreserved ticket to Thiruvananthapuram. He arrived at the station at 4 p.m. and nearly missed the Ernad Express. Mathew expressed frustration that he came through the eastern entry only to find the counters closed.
Paul K J Manvettom, president of the All Kerala Railway Users Association, noted that a long queue is now common at the main entrance during peak hours, with waits of 15 to 20 minutes. He highlighted that many travelers, especially elderly people, are not comfortable with mobile apps or other modern technologies, making the closure particularly burdensome for them.
Railway's Response
A Southern Railway spokesperson denied that the eastern entrance counters have been permanently closed. The spokesperson stated that the counters will be opened during heavy rush periods, such as festival days or days with PSC exams. On other days, they remain closed because 60% of unreserved ticket users now utilize ATVM machines. Two ATVM machines have been installed at the eastern entrance to compensate. The railways have redeployed personnel to the reservation counters at the main entrance following the closure.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by commuters who rely on traditional ticket counters, especially as digital alternatives gain traction. The railways maintain that the measures are aimed at efficiency, but passengers continue to demand better access to ticketing services.
