Biometric Token System in Railways | 05 Aug 2019
The Western and Central Railways have introduced a Biometric Token System (BTS) that seeks to streamline the process of boarding unreserved coaches (‘general’ compartment).
Biometric Token System
- Biometric Token System (BTS) is a system by which passengers travelling in the general coach, where seats are not reserved, are given a token roughly three hours before the train’s departure.
- These tokens are given on a first-come, first-served basis, and carry a serial number on them, which governs the order in which passengers will board the train.
- Tokens are issued after accepting biometric information of individual passengers.
- Passengers with valid tickets are required to place their fingers on a scanner, and are issued a token with a serial number against their biometric data.
- The biometric data captured in the machines will be stored locally with the authorities for a year.
- The data will be used to analyse the pattern of crowds and the number of people using a train.
- In case of a mishap, the railway authorities will have details of the passengers.
- The use of biometrics prevent black marketing of unreserved tickets.
- The token system helps in turning unmanageable crowds into well-managed, disciplined groups.