Railways to come out with 'smart card'

NEW DELHI: Railways will come out with a ' smart card' for rail users shortly.

"We are negotiating with SBI for issuing smart card for rail passengers," said Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today at the economic editors' conference here.

It will be a composite card which can be utilised in metro, suburban and passenger trains. The card can be utilised for e-ticketing also.

However, a railway official said, "The modalities are being worked out for the smart card which will be the first of its kind by the railways. We are in discussion with other stakeholders to make it a composite all-purpose card."

Mamata also announced that all passenger trains including suburban trains will have toilet facilities. Currently, suburban trains do not have toilets.

"Every suburban train will have toilet for which test has been carried out already. There will also be facilities for handicapped passengers," she said.