Train travel in India is a unique experience offering a view of the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, a subsidiary of Indian Railways has improved this journey significantly by modernizing ticket booking and offering a variety of passenger services. IRCTC was established in 1999 to provide efficient services and make train travel more enjoyable in India.
IRCTC – What you need to know
IRCTC is India’s official online platform for easy train ticket booking. Followings are the feature of IRCTC
Online Booking Platform
- IRCTC offers a mobile app and website for online booking of train tickets in India.
- You can now book your tickets online without having to go to a railway counter.
Types Of Tickets
- IRCTC offers a variety of ticket types including e-tickets, i-tickets, and other electronic tickets.
- The e-ticket is a digital ticket that can be printed out or displayed digitally.
- I-tickets can be booked online, but they are delivered physically to the address of the passenger.
User registration
- Users must create an account with IRCTC by entering their personal information.
- Registering requires valid identification, an email address, and a mobile number.
Classifications and Ticket Availability
- Users can search for tickets by class, such as Sleeper, AC 3-tiers, AC 2-tiers, and AC 1-tier.
- The dynamic pricing is based on the demand and availability of products and displays real-time availability.
Booking Process
- Logging in is required, as well as entering the journey details (source and destination, date) and selecting the train.
- Details about the passengers, including their names and ages are required.
- You can pay using a variety of methods, including credit/debit card, net banking and digital wallets.
Tatkal & Premium Tatkal
- IRCTC provides Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets for travelers who need to travel at the last minute.
- Tatkal tickets may be purchased one day before the date of travel at an extra cost.
- Premium Tatkal’s price changes dynamically based on demand.
Quotas and Concessions
- Senior citizens, women, people with disabilities and military personnel are eligible for special quotas.
- Discounted tickets are available for certain categories.
Booking History and PNR Status
- After booking, the user receives a PNR number (Passenger Record Number) to track their booking.
- The IRCTC platform allows you to check the PNR status and determine if your ticket is confirmed or if it’s on a waitlist.
- You can access the booking history through your account. This is useful for keeping records and as a reference.
IRCTC offers more than just ticketing. It also provides catering and tourism services. The IRCTC operates a network across different railway stations that includes food plazas, restaurants and other food outlets to ensure quality food and drinks for passengers. IRCTC has partnered with redBus to introduce redRail. This new service makes it easier for passengers to book train tickets.
Understanding IRCTC Quotas for Rail Ticket Booking
IRCTC provides different quotas for passengers with different needs. Here is a breakdown –
- General Quota Available for everyone and bookable up to 120 days in advance.
- Tatkal quota- Bookable up to one day before travel.
- Premium Tatkal quota- Similar but more expensive than Tatkal reservation, for urgent travel.
- Ladies quota- Exclusively reserved for female passengers. Bookable for 120 days in advance.
- Lower Berth quota- Applicable for senior citizens, passengers with disabilities, and pregnant women.
- Foreign tourist quota- Applicable for International tourists visiting India
- Duty pass Quota: Applicable for government officials and employees of the public sector on official travel.
- Parliament House quota- Members of Parliament and dignitaries.
The availability and eligibility of these quotas may vary based on the route and train.
How to Book an IRCTC Tatkal Train ticket?
Tatkal is an excellent option for those who need to book tickets quickly. Tatkal tickets are available for purchase just a day before departure but they cost 10-30% more over the base fare. The step-by-step instructions on how to book a Tatkal Ticket:
Step 1: Visit the redRail website or app-
- Visit the redRail app or website just before your journey date.
Step 1: Enter travel Details-
Enter the names of your destination and origin stations.
Enter your journey dates..
Step 2: Search for tickets-
Click on the “Search” button to see all Tatkal Tickets.
Step 3: Select the Train and Class-
You will see a list of Tatkal Tickets displayed on the screen.. Select your preferred travel class and train.
Step 4: Enter Passenger Details-
Enter the information for as many passengers as you like per ticket.
Step 5: Choose Payment Method-
Select your preferred payment method.
Step 6: Confirm booking-
Enter your IRCTC Password to confirm the Booking.
Step 7: Confirmation of receipt-
Your Tatkal ticket is sent to the registered email address and mobile number
Ticket Booking Tips on Tatkal
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Before booking, ensure you are logged in to your IRCTC Account.
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Prepare the information on payment and passenger details.
Timing:
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Tatkal booking begins at 10AM for AC classes and at 11AM for non-AC, one day prior to the trip.
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Be ready and online a few moments before the start time.
Internet Connection
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Avoid delays and disconnections by using a stable, high-speed internet connection.
Browsers and Devices
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Increase your chances by using multiple browsers (Chrome Firefox Safari).
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Autofill allows you to quickly enter your personal information and payment details.
Train Select
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Prior to travel, it is a good idea to research and shortlist several trains and routes.
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Be flexible in your berth preference and choose trains that are more available.
Payment Gateway
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Use the fastest option of payment, such as digital wallets or net banking.
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Consider using IRCTC’s e-wallet for quicker transactions.
Mobile App Navigation
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You can book faster using the IRCTC app.
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Be familiar with the layout of the website and be ready to solve CAPTCHAs quickly.
Conclusion
IRCTC has revolutionised Indian train travel by offering a user-friendly efficient platform for managing passenger services and booking tickets. IRCTC offers a variety of options to suit every traveller from the Tatkal ticket booking system to the quotas. Understanding how to use the IRCTC can make your trip more enjoyable and smoother whether you are planning a leisurely vacation or have to travel urgently. Enjoy your travels!
