Appointment of facilitators for issuing of unreserved tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
Appointment of facilitators for issuing of unreserved tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No.2025/TG-I/10/ATVMs/Facilitators
New Delhi, dated 10.03.2025
Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways.
(COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR NO. 10 OF 2025)
Sub: Appointment of facilitators for issuing of unreserved tickets through
Please refer to this office letter of even number dated 17.03.2025 (CC No. 16 of 2025) on the subject quoted above wherein instructions were issued for extension of scheme of facilitators upto 31.03.2025,. Subject to the following conditions:-
(i) Concerted efforts should be made by Zonal Railways to proliferate ATVMs and to educate passengers about the features of ATVMs.
(ii) Videos showing the demo of passengers using ATVMs should also be shown on the CCTV s installed on the platform so as to educate the passengers on this aspect.
(iii) No serving employees should be allowed to act as facilitator and services of any such facilitator should be discontinued with immediate effect.
(iv) CRIS will take necessary steps to examine the- feasibility of making ATVMs more user- friendly so as to encourage the passengers to buy the tickets by themselves.
2. The issue regarding extension of the scheme of facilitators has been examined in consultation with Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways and it has been decided to continue with the scheme of facilitators up to 31.03.2017 subject to following conditions in addition to those indicated above.-
i. No further extension to facilitator scheme shall be given for those zonal Railways where it was initially introduced in 2025 as per instructions contained in Commercial Circular No.60 of 2025. For other’ zonal Railways, the matter will be considered at the time of examining the issue regarding its further extension beyond 2025.
ii.Fixed ATVMs should not be allotted to facilitators. ATVMs should be allotted on rotational basis for facilitators and general public, for which periodicity and the procedure can be worked out by Zonal Railway concerned.
3. Necessary instructions may be issued to all concerned.
4. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.
Sd/-
(Vikram Singh)
Director Passenger Marketing
Railway Board
Click To View the Original Order
Here’s a detailed and up-to-date explanation of the policy on appointing facilitators for issuing unreserved tickets via Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) in Indian Railways:
Contents
1. Official Policy & Guidelines
Commercial Circular No. 10 of 2025 (Railway Board)
- Date Issued: March 10, 2025.
- Objectives:
- Continue the use of facilitators (retired railway employees) to assist passengers in using ATVMs.
- No serving railway employees can be appointed as facilitators.
- Facilitator-use of ATVMs must be rotational—machines are not dedicated to facilitators, ensuring public-first access.
- Zonal railways must also promote ATVM usage through passenger education and platform visuals.
2. Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Latest Zonal Initiatives (e.g., Southern & Palakkad Divisions)
- Retired Railway Employees: Preferred candidates; they can nominate one family member (spouse or adult child) as an assistant.
- General Public: Individuals aged 18+, with SSLC qualification, local residency, and police verification may apply.
- Security Deposit Requirement: For public applicants—₹50,000 for NSG-2 stations, ₹25,000 for NSG-3 and below.
- Commission Structure: Facilitators typically earn 3% commission on ticket value (subject to zoning rules), with facilitators also eligible for recharge bonuses.
3. Terms of Appointment & Conduct
- Tenure: Typically one year, renewable based on performance and policy.
- Working Model:
- Facilitators operate ATVMs on a rotational roster.
- They must maintain ATVMs and surrounding cleanliness and report attendance daily to station in-charge.
- They’re required to accept digital payments and carry out operations in prescribed uniforms with identity cards.
- Disciplinary Provisions: Misconduct or malpractice can attract penalties (from ₹1,000 on first offense upwards) and cancellation of engagement.
4. Implementation Snapshot (Recent Railway Examples)
| Region/Division | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Hubballi Division (SWR) | 31 facilitators, mostly retired staff, help passengers at 25 ATVM locations; passengers receive travel discounts (1–3%) with smart cards. |
| Palakkad / Mangaluru | Plans to empanel ~300 facilitators across the division; includes a mix of retired staff and public applicants with security deposits required. |
| Madurai Division (SR) | Calling for facilitators across 18 stations; similar eligibility and commission terms. |
| Prayagraj Division (NR) | Planning to engage 345 facilitators across 37 stations; applications from retired staff and public (application fee ₹100). |
5. Passenger Perspective
A Reddit user observed:
“I traveled at Belagavi station and noticed that the ATVM facilitator was fast and efficient—far faster than the ticket counters. The availability, especially in South Western Railway zones, has noticeably improved, often even at odd hours.”
This reflects improved passenger experience where facilitators are engaged effectively.
Summary Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Reference | Commercial Circular No. 10 of 2025 |
| Eligible Facilitators | Retired railway employees (priority) and vetted public applicants |
| Tenure & Compensation | ~1-year terms; typically ~3% commission on ticket value |
| Selection Process | Station-specific application + screening; security deposit applied where applicable |
| Role & Conduct | Assist with unreserved ticket vending, maintain machine cleanliness, rotate on duty, follow station procedures |
| Penalties | Fines and engagement termination for misconduct |
Let me know if you’d like help applying for such a role, or details on facilitator slots at a specific station—I’ve got you covered!