The newly introduced system is designed to offer a secure and easy solution for passengers who wish to store their luggage for a few hours while travelling or visiting nearby places. Railway officials said the facility will particularly benefit travellers, pilgrims and tourists who require temporary storage space.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to modernise passenger services and improve infrastructure at railway stations across the country.

According to officials, the digital locker facility offers three different storage sizes — medium, large and extra-large — to accommodate different types of luggage.

The tariff for using the lockers starts at ₹40 for six hours, making it an affordable option for passengers who need short-term luggage storage.

'The newly installed system is user-friendly, highly secure, and designed to meet the needs of both passengers and pilgrims,' an official from the operating company said.

Railway authorities said the service is expected to significantly improve convenience for passengers who arrive early for trains or those who wish to explore the city without carrying heavy bags.

The facility was formally inaugurated at the station in the presence of senior railway officials.

The event was attended by station manager (Operating) Sumer Singh Meena, station manager (Commercial) P. Suresan, and other officials associated with station operations and passenger services.

Officials highlighted that the digital locker system represents an important step towards integrating modern technology into passenger facilities at railway stations.

The locker system operates through mobile number verification using a one-time password (OTP), ensuring that only authorised users can access the lockers.

Passengers can book and open the lockers through a simple digital process, making it easy even for first-time users.

The facility also accepts only digital payments, ensuring transparency and reducing the need for cash transactions.

In addition, the lockers are monitored through CCTV surveillance to ensure security and prevent misuse.

Officials said the combination of digital authentication, surveillance, and automated access makes the system both secure and efficient for travellers.

Similar digital luggage locker facilities have already been introduced at several major railway stations across South India.

Stations where the service is operational include KSR Bengaluru, K R Puram, Kozhikode, Chennai Central, Katpadi Junction, Tiruvannamalai, Melmaruvathur, Udupi and Tiruchirappalli.

According to Shanmuga Sundaram, sales manager of the operating company Fonzel, the Mangaluru Central installation marks the company's 31st smart locker system.

The facility is powered by Durolt Smart Locker Technology.

'Built entirely on a Make-in-India ecosystem, the facility offers 24×7 automated access, OTP and QR-based authentication, cashless payments, and cloud-based monitoring,' he said.

Company officials also revealed plans to expand the smart locker system to additional railway stations in the coming months.

New installations are planned at Kannur, Villupuram Junction and Nagapattinam.

Railway authorities believe such modern facilities will help enhance passenger experience and make railway stations more commuter-friendly.

With the introduction of the digital luggage locker facility, passengers travelling through Mangaluru Central Railway Station now have access to a secure and convenient luggage storage option.

Officials say the initiative reflects the growing adoption of technology-driven services in Indian Railways, aimed at improving passenger comfort and overall station infrastructure.