As part of an initiative towards providing efficient, passenger-friendly services by optimising its operational systems, the East Coast Railway’s Khurda Road Division has undertaken a review of Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters to ensure better utilisation of resources and encourage the growing shift towards digital ticketing.
With the approval of the competent authority, PRS counters at Meramandali (MRDL) and Kanas Road (KASR) Railway Stations will be withdrawn with effect from 21 December, owing to less patronisation at these locations. The daily average number of reservations handled at Meramandli and Kanas Road was approximately 14 and 11 tickets, respectively.
Passengers of these areas will continue to have convenient access to reservation facilities nearby:
These arrangements are fully in line with Railway Board guidelines, which allow rationalisation of PRS counters where alternative reservation points exist within a 15 km radius.
East Coast Railway has also observed a significant shift among passengers toward online ticket booking. A major percentage of reserved tickets are now being booked through digital platforms such as the IRCTC website and mobile app, reflecting changing passenger preferences for faster and more convenient options.
Additionally, the Non-Rail Head PRS counter at Cuttack High Court will remain closed on bank holidays, considering operational requirements and security protocols. Normal working days will remain unaffected.
Notices regarding these changes will be prominently displayed at the respective stations and PRS locations to ensure timely communication to passengers. The Division will coordinate with the Sectional Chief Commercial Inspectors concerned for smooth implementation.
East Coast Railway remains committed to offering safe, efficient and passenger-centric services and appreciates the cooperation of all passengers in this process of operational optimisation, the ECoR claimed in a statement.