IRCTC POS machines rolled out on trains; now go cashless and don't overpay for food

IRCTC POS machines: In a major move to promote digital transaction, the Indian Railways through it's online ticketing portal and catering wing 'Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced Point of Sale (POS) machines for preventing customers from being overcharged for meals during their journey in trains. For now, the IRCTC has initiated the move in 3 express trains. Also, such move eliminates the possibility of threat from criminals as customers can now go cashless, and travel tension free in trains. 

The IRCTC tweeted saying through their account @IRCTCofficial, "To promote electronic billing and to eliminate overcharging in trains, IRCTC has introduced Point of Sale (POS) machines in19707/8- Aravali Exp (JP-BDTS), 12723/4- Telangana Exp (HYB-NDLS) & 12987/8 Sealdah Ajmer Exp (SDAH- ALL)."

To promote electronic billing and to eliminate overcharging in trains, IRCTC has introduced Point of Sale (POS) machines in19707/8- Aravali Exp (JP-BDTS), 12723/4- Telangana Exp (HYB-NDLS) & 12987/8 Sealdah Ajmer Exp (SDAH- ALL) pic.twitter.com/EsuiLhFaFz

— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) April 2, 2018

The Aravali Express covers a distance of 1107 km between Jaipur junction and Bandra Terminus at an average speed of 51 km per hour. Whereas, the Telangana Express travels between Hyderabad Deccan Nampally and New Delhi, covering distance of 1677 km at an average speed of 63 km per hour, and on the other hand, Sealdah Ajmer Express carries passengers between Sealdah and Ajmer Junction, at average speed of 59 km per hour, covering distance of 1647 km. 

Such an action comes after the IRCTC received passengers complaints over being overcharged for their meals by vendors in trains. 

POS machines have stolen the spotlight since the time demonetisation took place in November 2016 in the country. The POS is referred as time and place where a retail transaction is completed. Using a POS, a merchant calculates the amount owed by a customer, feeds in the transaction, and also prepares an invoice for the customers. Meanwhile, a passenger can make payment at POS using their debit or credit cards of any banks. 

It has been revealed that POS machines had already been launched on pilot basis in Karnataka Express which travels between Bangalore City and New Delhi. 

The Indian Railways have been boosting POS machine usage for their passengers. Last year, the Railway ministry decided to install 10,000 POS machines in association with State Bank of India at various locations of Indian Railways including ticket counters.