Train tickets now in Punjabi too
AMRITSAR: Punjabi language has found a place on railway ticket besides the usual English and Hindi at the Amritsar station starting last week.
This comes as various states in India started printing the tickets in their local languages this year. The first was Karnataka, where rail authorities introduced tickets that carried information in their local language Kannada.
“The facility will eventually be introduced at all main stations of Punjab,” said Sarabjit Singh, chief booking superviser. The software was installed on June 11 in two ticket-vending machines, one at the main gate side and the other on the Gol Bagh side. “Gradually, this kind of ticket will also be issued from the counters.”
“Importance is being given to the regional languages across the country for the convenience of passengers,” said Deepak KP, commercial movement inspector (CMI). “Apart from tickets, information boards and notice boards in Punjabi will also be seen at the station.”
Manjinder Singh, professor at the department of Punjabi studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, said it is good to deliver public services in people’s mother tongue.
Dharam Singh, former head of the department of Punjabi at GNDU, added, “Punjabi has been marginalised intentionally and unintentionally. The move to give space to it on rail tickets is good news for Punjabis.”
STARTED AT AMRITSAR STATION FROM JUNE 11, WILL BE INTRODUCED AT ALL MAIN STATIONS OF PUNJAB; PART OF NATIONWIDE PUSH FOR MOTHER TONGUES