JTBS licences to be extended

Allahabad: With the increasing popularity of Jansadharan Booking Ticket Sewaks (JTBS), who sell general rail tickets at the markets, the railway administration has decided to extended their licences beyond a period of six years. As passengers have to sweat out standing in long queues at railway stations, such counters have become quite popular. The step has come as a boost to JTBS.
The railways has decided that license of the JTBS can be considered for extension beyond a period of six years on a yearly basis subject to certification of satisfactory performance, both financially and operationally, by senior divisional commercial manager/divisional commercial manager, said a senior departmental officer.
In this connection, Director, Passenger Marketing in Railway Board, Vikram Singh, has written letters to all the general managers of zonal railways, including North Central Railway, to undertake steps in this direction.
The earlier policy regarding appointment of JTBS was initially for a period of contract for three years. However, this was extended yearly on the basis of satisfactory performance for the next three years. Thereafter, fresh applications were called for in which outgoing JTBS were also eligible to apply.
However, now JTBS can be given extension for a period of more than six years.
JTBS was conceptualized and introduced with a view to improve dispensation of unreserved tickets in city areas other than the railway stations and provide jobs.
JTBS counters have been opened in various cities and places coming under the Allahabad division of North Central railway. This includes five JTBS counters in Allahabad and 15 at Kanpur. In Allahabad city, five JTBS counters have been opened at various localities including Shahganj, Leader Road, Dilkusha-New Katra, Bahadurganj and Sarai Meer-Loknath.
In addition to this, three such counters have been opened at Phaphund, seven at Etawah, five at Aligarh. Further, JTBS counters have also been opened at Rura, Auraiya, Mainpuri, Achalda, Hathras, Khurja, Ajayabpur, Bhartana, Dankaur, Firozabad, Chola, Dadri and Chheoki.