To prevent leakage of railway revenue from short distance commuters and facilitate passengers, railway has decided to make unreserved sleeper class tickets available from major Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) counters.
A notification in this connection was issued by the zone to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Raipur, Bilaspur and Nagpur division, informed railway sources, adding that the move is going to be effective from February 28.
In Raipur division, unreserved sleeper tickets would be available in UTS counters of Raipur, Durg and Bhatapara, informed railway officials.
According to the officials of railway, during intense ticket checking drive, it has been noticed that large number of passengers travels in sleeper coaches with IInd class and super fast ticket in following sections Korba-Bilaspur-Raipur, Raigarh-Jharsuguda, Raigarh-Raipur-Durg, Durg-Nagpur and Bilaspur-Katni. Due to shortage of time, shorter destination and engagement in other important jobs, concerned railway staff fails to exchange their tickets in most of the time. Besides, it is difficult to undertake checking in all trains in all section as squad staff is limits.
Officials further explained that the facility will not entail the passengers to claim for allotment of berths/seats, however if vacant berth found available in short distances, authorized staff can allot them as per the provision by collecting reservation fees. All rules and circulars issued from railway board from time to time will be applicable for travelling in sleeper classes.
The move initiated by the railway on experimental basis is going to be effective for around six months, said officials, adding that based on monthly feedback to be submitted by the divisions, the decision regarding its extension would be reviewed.