SL Railways to introduce e-ticketing system

• Expects to eliminate black market ticketing 
• ADB to collaborate with Govt. in establishing new platform 

The Passenger Transport Management Ministry has submitted a Cabinet proposal to set up an electronic ticketing system to provide train commuters an easy and fast way of booking rail tickets.

Issuing a statement, the Passenger Transport Management Ministry said a net electronic ticketing system would enable local and foreign tourists to book tickets more conveniently and eliminate the chance of selling tickets at higher prices by third parties.

“There are reports of several individuals selling tickets at higher rates for tourists. Some sell the Rs. 1,200 ticket for Rs. 3m000, which is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. In an effort to minimise such activities, the Ministry has decided to introduce a new e-ticketing system,” it said.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is collaborating with the Sri Lankan Government to set up the e-ticketing system to provide train commuters an easy and fast way of booking rail tickets by automating route planning and the purchase of tickets, it said.