In order to make online train ticket booking experience smooth and hassle-free, Indian Railways has launched a host of new services in recent months. With all the recent updates and a simpler interface, the official website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
— irctc.co.in — has become more user-friendly.
— irctc.co.in — has become more user-friendly.
Now a 'train ticket search' option is available on the home screen of irctc.co.in which allows passengers to search for trains without having to sign in using their IRCTC log-in credentials. Users can also find a 'Book Your Ticket' box on the left side of the website where they just need to mention their journey details in order to search for a train.
There is an option of choosing 'From' and 'To' destination. You can also select the date on which you want to travel. Then just choose your seat or berth and click on 'Find Trains' option. You will get the list of trains suitable for your journey.
Here's how you can check seat availability, fare through IRCTC website:
Step 1: Login using your account on www.irctc.co.in
Step 2: Fill details on 'Book Your Ticket' page.
Step 3: Click on 'Find Trains'
Step 4: A list of trains will appear
Step 5: Click on 'Check Availability & fare' button to check the availability of trains
It is worth if you want to check your PNR status, there is an option available below the 'Book your ticket' box. After clicking on the PNR status, you just have to enter the PNR number and click on the 'submit' option to check the status. Users can also see the availability of seat or berth in a particular train without logging-in. There is an option of checking 'Charts/Vacancy' on IRCTC website. Passengers are required to enter the 'train name/number' and boarding station after clicking on 'Charts/Vacancy' and it will show if any seats or berths are available on a train.
It is worth mentioning that IRCTC also offers SMS services on the number 139. One can check enquiries pertaining to PNR status, accommodation availability, current train running position, PRS ticket cancellation and fare enquiry etc. Railways passengers can easily get the desired information by sending an SMS to 139.
SMS service text formats:
1. Ticket status enquiry text: To know the status of your ticket, SMS 10 digit PNR number. For example- 1234567891
2. Train arrival and departure enquiry: To know about train arrival and departure, SMS “AD <Train number> < STD code of station>”. For example- AD 12345 111
3. Accommodation availability: SMS “SEAT <Train number> <Date of Journey**ddmmyy> <Station from: STD code> <Station to: STD code> <class> <Quota>. For example- SEAT 12561 010719 0542 0571 SL G
4. Fare Enquiry: SMS “FARE <Train number> <Date of Journey**ddmmyy> <Station from: STD code> <Station to: STD code> <class > <Quota>***. For example- FARE 12012 010719 0542 0571 SL G
