Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday that rail passengers can book reserved tickets online or through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, with around 89 percent of tickets currently being booked online.
He provided this information in a written response to questions regarding recent initiatives by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) related to digital reservations and the deactivation of millions of suspicious IDs.
Vaishnaw stated, “To prevent irregularities in the ticket booking system, IRCTC has recently deactivated over 25 million user IDs after they were found suspicious during extensive data analysis.”
He added, “In Indian Railways, the demand pattern for reserved seats is not uniform throughout the year and keeps changing periodically. Popular routes and trains running at convenient times generally experience higher crowds. However, seats are usually available on other trains.”
Vaishnaw also detailed various steps taken by the ministry to provide confirmed tickets to passengers.
He mentioned that reserved tickets can be booked online or at PRS counters on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. “Currently, about 89 percent of tickets are being booked through online means.”
Vaishnaw further explained that the status of train waitlists is regularly monitored, and Indian Railways operates special trains to meet additional demand.
Rajya Sabha
The **Rajya Sabha**, or Council of States, is the upper house of India’s Parliament, established in 1952 under the Constitution. It represents India’s states and union territories, with members elected by state legislatures or nominated by the President for their expertise in various fields. As a key part of India’s bicameral legislature, it reviews and suggests amendments to legislation passed by the Lok Sabha (lower house).
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
The **Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)** is a subsidiary of Indian Railways, established in 1999 to manage catering, tourism, and online ticketing services. It revolutionized rail travel in India by introducing e-ticketing, making bookings more accessible. IRCTC also promotes tourism through rail-based packages and operates luxury trains like the *Maharajas’ Express*.
IRCTC
IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is a subsidiary of Indian Railways, established in 1999 to modernize and manage catering, tourism, and online ticketing services. It operates the IRCTC e-ticketing platform, a crucial digital service for booking train tickets across India, significantly improving passenger convenience. Over the years, IRCTC has expanded to include tourism packages, luxury train services, and catering, playing a key role in enhancing India’s rail travel experience.
Indian Railways
Indian Railways, established in 1853 during British colonial rule, is one of the world’s largest railway networks, spanning over 67,000 km and serving millions daily. It played a vital role in India’s economic and social development, connecting diverse regions and fostering national integration. Today, it remains a lifeline for transportation, blending modern advancements with historic charm, including iconic trains like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
