IRCTC launches a light version website for 'Tatkal' e-ticket booking

It seems that IRCTC has taken a serious note about the anguish of passengers willing to book an e-ticket during TATKAL hours of booking. A common problem was experienced that the website was either not opening properly during TATKAL hours or it was running so slow that booking of an e-ticket was almost a nightmare during the period. Though there were different school of thoughts regarding the problem. Some has stated it "as the website of IRCTC was so heavy that it experienced difficulty in functioning during busy hours like TATKAL due to excessive rush of users." Whereas some had an opinion that the "website was being hacked by the travel agents or brokers." What so ever was the reason but, it has been resulting in a duress and agony for the passengers those who had a plan of travel in a shorter notice. Astonishingly, there was no such visible expedient from IRCTC to offer any relief to the passengers.

It has appeared as a pleasant surprise from IRCTC that they have launched a lightweight version of their website for booking of an e-ticket during TATKAL hours. It is really pleasant to see that IRCTC has tried to show their concern about the duress of their passengers who had to suffer a lot due to this problem. Use of this website is also very simple. As you'll type www.irctc.co.in in the address bar during TATKAL hour it automatically takes you to the login page of the new website.

Immediately, after login with your id you are automatically migrated to the next generation e-Ticketing website. Here, you'll get options for print/cancel/file TDR for earlier transactions you've made or you can opt for proceeding for a fresh new booking.

It is really a simplified and user friendly version providing utmost comfort and relief. Now, depending upon your need you should select for the option and proceed. Its working unexpectedly fast and serves to your need quite reasonably. One must thank Indian Railways for this humble remedy of a severe problem persisting since long.

After selecting for booking a new e-ticket it takes you to the new link automatically i.e. https://nget.irctc.co.in/eticketing/home. However, you can access this new site directly also at https://nget.irctc.co.in. Further, after giving inputs about your plan of travel you get a quick view of availability of berths.

Now. select your options and proceed for booking. Its really simplified, hassle free and smiling experience. So, now onward whenever you have a short noticed plan for travel a long distance, instead of searching a broker for making you available a confirm TICKET at a licentious cost 'Try this new amenity of comfort."  

Indian Railway Aiming World-Class Experience of Journey

A successful trial of high speed semi bullet train was performed today between Delhi to Agra. It gives an impression at a first glance that Indian Railway is now planning very seriously to break the image of  its orthodox stereotype trains running with a dependability upon the mercy and blessings of situation and available resources. It also seems that the Indian Government is determined now to  march step by step in the tune of achievement of World Class Status so far Indian Railway is concerned and this trial of today should be taken as a first step in the pursuit for excellence.

Green Signal to the High Speed Train

Trial of this train was quite successful. The train completed this 200 Km journey in just 90 minutes. It could be claimed as a big achievement when it comes to expect speed of an Indian Train. However, so many technical trials are yet to be performed but. the Indian Railway is quite optimistic to launch a commercial run of this high speed train by November 2014. 

News about trial of high speed train

This is the good news which has raised the speculations of hope and expectations among Indians about the World Class experience of Journey. Though, the cost and comfort will be the guiding factor in order to determine its popularity and viability. Nevertheless, India can expect now the Bullet Trains too if the running of this high speed train becomes the reality. Is this the beginning of Good Days!!! Amen!!!


  

Indian Rail: Ideal platform for unlawful deeds

Continued.....from previous post 
Indian Rail: Travel to heaven or to hell.....................

Eventually, from the beginning of my life I had this opportunity to be around a railway station and it gave an opportunity to understand the lifestyle of nearby population. The biggest community dwelling besides a railway station is of beggars, as they look alike. But, are all of them beggars really? perhaps not. It is noticed quite often that there is a syndicate active around the railway stations in the semblance of a beggar and actually they are active with various other unlawful deeds like selling drugs and other intoxicating materials, theft, pic-pocket and even prostitution.

A professionally managed chain of pickpocket remains active with its very strong and stable network inside the railway area. Most of the time they are looking like a beggar or a pity trader of toxic commodities. Even, they may appear with some other faces also like your co-passenger or a coolie or any vendor. Because, at many railway stations coolies or vendors do not wear their assigned uniform also. Thus, it is difficult to recognize whether they are licensed coolies or vendors?   

A young girl begging in a train or at a railway station or a lady holding a kid on her hip and begging is not always like it as it appears. They are really beggars it cannot be claimed with confidence. Many times it is reported that these ladies are involved in theft, snatching or many other nasty activities. Many times these are not their own kids it is witnessed that different ladies holding the same kids at different times. Basically, they work in shifts and are a part of the network for which they work. However, it has always been a mystery that how and why the main culprit behind the curtain remains unnoticed.     

One must have seen warning posters "Beware of Pic-pocket" or "Beware of intoxicating gangs". It means that railway administration is also aware about these activities. But, surprisingly nothing has been done as a corrective measure. Can anyone agree that posting some posters of beware are enough for the safety of passengers? It is even surprising that at many major railway stations in the name of security, passengers are allowed to enter the railway platform after crossing a metal detector and a vigorous security check. Then how these beggars or even so many unauthorized vendors do get their entry to the railway premises.

 

Who is not aware about the persecution of Eunuchs (The Hizda Gang) inside the train and railway premises. They are always found everywhere anywhere at a railway station or in a train snatching money forcefully from the innocent migrant passengers. Sometimes, their activities are so nasty and dreadful that paying to them seems only way to get rid of them. Normally it is understood that no action may been taken against these eunuch gangs. May god save from being victim of these gangs. Here also is a great mystery. Personally, I know a few those who are not the eunuchs, but have adopted the guise like an eunuch and have taken it as a profession since, its lucrative enough.

Children, running and roaming around the railway stations and inside the train also selling tobacco products are quite commonly seen inside the trains as well as the railway premises almost around every railway stations in India. Another, new trend has been emerged quite rapidly inside the train or entire railway premises everyone must have noticed children collecting used empty bottles of water. they collect the empty bottles and it is refilled with normal yet unhygienic water and being sold to the passengers. Sometimes, you may see a child sweeping the compartment and begging or collecting waste water bottles.   

It is well known fact that children begging or involved in all such unlawful activities are not doing it at their own choice, rather they are compelled to do so. Many of them are kidnapped and are forced to work as per willingness of the master of the gang. So, practically we come across the SLUM DOGS only but the real millionaires are always out of reach . Worst part of the story is that this entire activity is closely witnessed by the rail authorities and police and the government. But, none has taken any initiative to make any significant solution for the same.

It is true that the destiny of these poor children is playing cruel with them. But, what we are doing? What the Government is doing? Any answer???

Indian Rail : Book Your ticket on your Cell

Indian Railway is now all set to launch a new Ticket Reservation System which shall be operative through the Cell Phones. This is for the very first time in INDIA when a passenger will be able to book his tickets through Cell Phones.

According to the news the new scheme has been approved by the Railway Board and RBI has also given mandatory clearance for the same. It is considered that this scheme will be helpful for the passengers in order to get rid from the grip of booking agents or pimps. Officials of Railway Board had assured that necessary measures has been taken by making certain necessary modifications in the software for the prevention from misuse of it. It is said that this scheme will be proved simple for the Cell Phone users. However, a customer will have to download an application to book a journey ticket through his/her Cell Phone. One more limitation of the scheme is that it will not work on any ordinary Cell Phone, a Java enabled handset will be required to book tickets under this scheme.

Moreover, the system is same as e-ticket booking, though initiatives has been taken to make the project viable by setting up kiosks at different locations to help the customers. One may opt for delivery of ticket by a courier or those having e-mail id may get the same online also. According to an IRCTC source the passenger will receive a reservation message immediately after booking of the tickets with full details of the ticket including PNR No, Train No, Date of Journey, Class of Journey and other relevant details. This message shall be treated as good as the printout of e-ticket, popularly known as electronic reservation slip (ERSs).

Basically, two non-internet systems had been developed by IRCTC which can be used with even simple feature phones. Tickets can be booked through a simple text messaging based facility or a menu based dialing service. It would be any time anywhere service and the bookings shall be done in a secure manner. Main advantage of this system is that there would be no need to log on to internet or to stand for hours in a queue at reservation counters. 

If you wish to know more about the scheme please visit the IRCTC link - https://www.irctc.co.in/beta_htmls/SMS_USSD.html

Perhaps, its time to say goodbye to old counter paper tickets. Though, it would be too early to predict the benefits of new system. Hope, waiting in a queue for getting a reserved ticket shall be a story of older days. 

Indian Rail : Travel to heaven or to hell

Indian Rail has been the one and foremost mode of travel which connects INDIA with its unique network since the days we thought to step out. Kids screaming out with delight while looking at a train has been a traditional truth. Every kid must had a toy train in their collection of toys during their growing age. Who can deny? 

Even if they don't had a toy train, kids playing train train by holding each other and running together in a straight direction, making noise like chhuk chhuk chhuk and whistling  coo coo coo who hasn't seen? Riding a train has always made us passionate since our childhood. Isn't it? 

In our hindi cinema also there are lots of glorious moments filmed on train. Films like The Train and The Burning Train are excellent examples of it. Who can forget these evergreen songs like Gaadi Bulaa Rahi Hai, Seeti Bazaa Rahi Hai... or a song like Mere Sapnon ki Raani Kab Aayegi tu.... 

Hai Apna Dil Toh Aawaara, Na jaane kis Pe Aayega.... singing Devanand in film "Solwa Saal" also picturised in a train and Shahrukh Khan dancing and singing Chal Chhaiyaa Chhaiyaa Chhaiyaa.... in "Dil Se" on the roof of a train are enough to glorify the importance of a train in the life of  common Indian man. We can say that the Indian Railway has got a very deeply spread roots in the heart and mind of Indians.

Moreover, may we forget it when the renowned poet and lyricist Kavi Pradeep tried to show the Glorious Glimpses of India in one of his all time great song "Aao Bachchon Tumhe Dikhaayen Jhaanki Hindustaan Ki" the mode of travel was a train only.

We can never forget that excitement which we had since our childhood in the name of a travel by train and hopefully anyone cannot forget the same. It was nestled in our veins since ever we had our senses. And, it has always been experienced as a journey with lots of adventure, fun and excitement for a long time.

In certain hilly areas  Indian Railways offers a service of toy trains which attracts lots of Indian as well as foreign tourists of all age group by virtue of its unique make and the fun, thrill and adventure associated with it.

These toy trains have been proved as a great source of revenue also for the government. Keeping in mind about the earning potential Indian railways has introduced various train services which are not only unique but, few are the unmatched worldwide. Maharaja Express and Palace on Wheels are the classical examples of Indian Art, Luxury and Hospitality.

As the name suggests Maharaja Express offers an unmatched and inexpressible amenities which are a paramount  example of Art, Craft and Luxury. 

Similarly, Palace on wheels also is a classical service of Indian Railways which is unique of it own Style, Luxury and Incredible Comfort. The State of the Art Amenities inside the train are awesome and offers heavenly peace and comfort blended with the great Indian Hospitality for which any Indian may feel proud. 

The glaring and dazzling interiors of these palaces depict the greatness of Indian Architecture, Sculpture and Art. These palaces are liked by both Indians and foreigners and have been proved as a great source of revenue as well as prestige earner for Indian Railways.      


On the cost of almost one lakh for a night a journey in Maharaja Express introduces with an excellent piece of Art and Workmanship. Undoubtedly, these trains are like jewels  of pride and glory in the crown of Indian Railways.

Further, there are trains like Rajdhani Express, which also offers a cozy and comfortable journeys to their passengers and is considered as prestigious trains which normally maintains its routine and schedule and connects the national capital with almost all major state capitals. Passengers do receive much better facilities and hospitality in Rajdhani Express trains compared to other long distance trains running throughout the country.

    
These red colored trains have been able to gain the confidence of passengers for being safe and secure in order to provide a scheduled and comfortable journey along with a tasty package of food.

In this category another train is Sahatabdi Express. Which runs for shorter distances compared to Rajdhani Express. Since, these trains are for shorter distances so mostly there are chair cars only in these trains but, other comfort, facilities and hospitality remains same as Rajdhani Express and have received almost same reputation and prestige also. 

All the trains mentioned above are there to cite different stories of Glory, Pride and Prestige of Indian Railways and are meant for Special Class of passengers. Trains like Maharaja Express and Palace on Wheels are meant for the very high class people and a common man can never ever think of to experience the luxury and hospitality of these trains. 

Yet, a common man sometimes dares to avail a journey of a Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi Express. Of course quite seldom and with a heavy heart. Since its not so affordable. So, either they prefer to travel in these trains in such extreme situations where there is no option left behind or, sometimes when it comes to fulfill their desire at least once in lifetime. 

Yes, travelling with a Toy Train is not such costly affair as these trains run for a quite shorter distances, but that too is not in the reach of every common Indian since, very few of them do visit there to spend their holidays on such hill stations.

India travels on local trains or passenger trains. Almost 70 - 80 percent Indian passengers depend on these local trains for their shorter journeys and when they have to travel for any long distances their choices are either super fast trains or express trains. Here comes the true story that how these common men are destined to travel.

Since, no. of trains are always lesser than the number of passengers so a heavy crowd is quite a normal situation for every local trains. But, in this situation also it could have been a less painful journey if there would have at least some basic facilities inside the train. One may never find a clean and comfortable compartment with clean and hygienic toilets. The condition of Indian train's toilets are so horrible that one will prefer to avoid to use it instead of using it with a fear of physical or hygienic accident.

The floor and walls of these toilets seems to invite such unpleasant situations most of the times. How may one be assured that it is safe to use these toilets. It comes the most drastic situation when you don't find even water there in the toilets. Broken window glass is another common most situation which you come across while entering in these train toilets. How may you consider it suitable and safe specially for female passengers.  

Roaming Rats, Cockroaches and Mosquitoes through out the train and toilets are so common that it could be easily seen everywhere in any such trains. If you have got a seat or berth in a train near the toilets believe it, you are about to experience a living in hell through out your journey due to the disgusting stench all around.

And, what will you say about this person who is destined to travel while sitting in the toilet of a train?

Your comments are sincerely solicited. Please comment your experiences also. Do you believe that the common man is treated humanly in Indian Railways?

To be continued.....