Metro to have paper tickets this Durga Puja

Most of the passengers during Puja are generally not regular commuters and are therefore not conversant in using tokens which may cause severe problems during heavy rush hours, officials said.

"To overcome the situation, it has been decided to withdraw these tokens from tomorrow till October 26 instead of which printed card tickets will be issued for the passengers," a Metro Railway spokesperson said.

Current fares would be stamped on the tickets which will be physically checked and punched at entry and exit gates.

"Passengers will just need to show the tickets and get out. It will reduce queues," Metro's DGM Protyush Ghosh said.

However, smart card holders will be able to use their cards as usual and there will be dedicated gates for them at each station.

The tube railway has been breaking its own record by carrying unprecedented number of passengers during this festive season on three consecutive days till yesterday, when it carried more than 7 lakh passengers.

To boost passenger security and to help in preventing carriage of inflammable articles in trains which might eventually cause serious damage, the authorities has introduced a new helpline number - 9007041908.

Commuters can SMS or call this number if they notice any such incidents on Railway premises or during their journey on trains.