YTSK - Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra

 

YTSK - Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra

• Private ticket booking counters authorized by Indian Railways to issue reserved and unreserved tickets through the PRS (Passenger Reservation System).

🔹 Key Features:

• Purpose: To expand ticketing facilities through authorized private agents beyond railway premises.
  
  

• Operated by: Registered individuals/firms/companies approved by zonal railways.

💰 Financial Requirements:

Particular	Amount
Registration Fee	₹2 lakh (one-time, non-refundable)
System Access Charges	₹1.6 lakh per terminal per annum
Security Deposit	₹1 lakh per terminal (up to ₹5 lakh max)
Revenue Sharing	25% of service charge to YTSK
Service Charges	₹30 (SL/2S), ₹40 (AC classes) per ticket

📆Other Key points:

• Tenure: 3 years (renewable)

• Maximum Terminals per Licensee: 4 (can be increased based on need)

• Working Hours: Generally 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM 

• Ticket Rolls: Supplied free by Railways (distinct color)

•  Counter Setup: Must be outside railway premises

• Training: Mandatory for operators
  

✅ YTSK: Success & Impact on Indian Railways

1. Convenient & Decentralized Ticketing

YTSKs provide PRS (reserved) and UTS (unreserved) ticketing outside station premises, reducing crowding and queue pressure at railway counters.  Ideal for passengers who are not internet-savvy or want to avoid station congestion.

2. Enhanced Passenger Reach

Serves localities and urban/rural areas away from stations, making ticketing more accessible and widespread

3. Balanced System Load

Helps decongest PRS counters, especially in peak periods, while complementing IRCTC website bookings (which already account for 70%+ of reservations) 

4. Private Partnerships with Accountability

Operated under strict licensing and monitoring to prevent misuse—Railways can disable terminals immediately if malpractices occur 

Advantages: 

• 🕒 Extended Hours: YTSK counters often operate longer than traditional PRS counters (e.g., 8:30 am–10 pm vs. 8 am–8 pm)
  
  

• 🎟️ Inclusive Access: Serves passengers without internet access or those unfamiliar with online booking.
  
  

• 💼 Public–Private Model: Enables more centers via PPP, increasing availability of booking counters even beyond station premises.
  
  

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Higher Charges: YTSKs levy service charges (₹30 for Sleeper/2S, ₹40 for AC), which are higher than standard PRS counters
  
  

• 🎯 Tatkal Disadvantage: Tatkal bookings open later than railway counters or IRCTC, leading to disadvantage during high-demand periods
  
  

• 💸 High Entry Barriers: Aspiring licensees must meet financial commitments—₹1.6 L system access per terminal, ₹2–5 L deposit, and ₹2–5 L registration fee depending on circulars and modifications.
  
  

• 🧾 Limitations on Service: Cannot issue concession tickets (except for senior citizens), no block booking, and limited cancellation ability (I
  
  

🚆 Final Word

YTSKs have helped decongest station counters, extended ticket booking hours, and brought railway ticketing closer to communities. They serve as a reliable option for users outside major stations, especially those uncomfortable with online booking. However, they come with higher charges, operational conditions, and limitations compared to direct PRS or IRCTC booking methods.

Key Points Summary: 

1. YTSK stands for Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra

2. Registration Fees : Rs. 2 Lakhs (One Time, Non Refundable)

3. System Access Charges Rs. 1.6 Lakhs per Terminal per Annum

4. Security Deposit: Rs. 1 Lakh per Terminal (up to Rs. Lakh maximum)

5. Revenue sharing: 25% of Service charge to YTSK

6. Service Charges Rs. 30 per Ticket (Non AC), Rs. 40 Per Ticket (AC)

7. Tenure: 3 Years 

8. Working hours: 8 AM to 10 PM

End