Journey tickets and passes can be purchased at ticket offices, which are to found mostly at the main entrance of the station (one office for each of the entrances – East and West). Tickets are available for one way as well as return journey for 1st class and 2nd class travel. You need to be in possession of a valid ticket (or coupon or pass) throughout your travel, including while using the platform.
Long queues for single/return second class tickets can be a bother. You have two options: buy a coupon booklet, or buy a monthly pass. (There is a smart card option too, but currently available only at a few stations; more on that later) To buy a coupon booklet, which are available at most ticket counters (not pass counters), you are not required to stand in the queue. If other passengers express objection, say aloud that you wish to buy a coupon booklet. The problem with coupons is that Coupon Validating Machines (CVM) (where you need to have your coupons punched before commencing journey) are often not in working condition. To get around the problem, railway officers generally keep a stamp kept next to one of the ticket windows which can be embossed on the required amount of coupons to validate them. However, on a bad day, there will be no CVM and no stamp!
Though there is a queue at a separate counter for getting a pass (monthly and quarterly), it is generally shorter during non-rush hours. Regular travellers on a particular route generally use a pass.
If you need to simply visit the platform – for instance if you are seeing off a friend who is to travel – you would need to buy a platform ticket, available at all ticket windows.
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