Category Archives: IRCTC

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC, Railway Station, Railway Stations, Trains

Up Next: Lounges with WiFi, food and loads more at Railway stations in India

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Regardless of the amount you attempt to disregard, Indian Railways is making the lives of voyagers simpler by the day. As per late media reports, the Service of Railways has endowed IRCTC with the errand of setting up new official parlors in 49 stations the nation over.

These official parlors would be furnished with a wide range of present day facilities at a charge. A portion of the principle facilities offered in these parlors incorporate TV, Wireless Internet, food and drink, washing and changing facilities, and attendant services for pre-departure and post-arrival help to travelers of all classes of travel. Railroad travelers willing to benefit these administrations would require to demonstrate their photo ID proofs and legitimate train tickets.

Starting now, these official parlors as of today exist in the New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra stations. Worked in present day engineering styles, complete with all the aforementioned facilities set up, these parlors are accessible at sensible costs. Charges for the one at New Delhi begins at Rs 150 and for the initial two hours and Rs 50 for consistently from that point. While the charges at Jaipur and Agra stations begin from Rs 100 for the initial two hours, trailed by Rs 50 every hour after that.

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway Time Table, IRCTC, Running Train Status, Trains

Easy ways to make train reservations!

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If you are confused on how to make train reservations then keep reading. We know that it might not be easy for some of you to decide on the trains, check the timings, and check the seats and so on. You can always book your tickets on the IRCTC website. But make sure you make the reservations in advance since most of the trains are usually booked for months.

If you have had troubles booking your train tickets, then here is a guide for help: –

  • You can check train seat availability on TravelKhana’s official website to know if the train you want to travel has any seats left. Once you find the name and number of the train you are going to travel from, select your berth. Other than checking the seats, you can use their train tracking system to check the status of the train at all times.
  • Make sure you enter the right details of the station you will start from to the station you will get off at.
  • If the trains do not have the class you want then be open to the others. Do not be picky because sometimes it can be tough to find seats on trains in your desired class.
  • Always book in advance. You always have the option of cancellation. So do not worry. Booking 3 to 4 months in advance is always better than booking at the last minute.
  • Make sure you note the number and name of the train you will be travelling from. Also if you want to check the time or want to track your train, then you can go to TravelKhana or download their mobile app for train tracker This will help in to manage your time since you can see when you train will arrive.
  • Other than booking the train, it is important to make sure you have booked for food too. You do not have to compromise for the unhygienic and tasteless food they provide on the train. Instead you can book amazing and different cuisines and snacks from travelkhana.com. They have a wide variety of cuisines and snacks you can pick from. So once you have confirmed your train tickets, you can go and book for some hygienic and tasty food too. If you miss out on booking in advance for the food, do not fret. You can always use the mobile app to book any food item you want while in the train too. TravelKhana has great and quick services. You will receive your food on time even if you book at the last moment too.
  • Other than reservations, make sure you pack your bags well and carry fewer loads on the trains. It is not easy to manage everything if you are travelling for the first time by trains. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, carry all your gadgets and keep them safe, keep your money safe and make sure you carry wet wipes and tissues with you.

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Train travelling is not easy until and unless you are on a luxury train. So always be prepared, reserve your tickets beforehand and do not forget to book good food via TravelKhana.

Indian Rail Info, IRCTC, Railway Station, Railway Stations

The 4 most luxurious Indian trains that will give you a royal treatment

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The fanciest way to explore and discover the Indian cities, regional areas and coastal towns in comfort is only through the medium of trains. Indian Railways has few of the most unforgettable and spectacular rail journeys and is the world’s 4th largest railway network. However, what most of us are not aware of is that Indian railway also runs a number of luxury trains that cater to tourist throughout India. These 5-star trains are named as Heritage on Wheels, Fairy Queen, The Splendor of South and the Indian Maharaja. These trains will leave you with a life time experience of pure Indian royalty.

  1. Palace on Wheels
    Palace on Wheels, India’s very first pan-country train, was started on Indian Republic Day, January 26, 1982. The train service was then remodeled and relaunched in 2009 with great new looks and more luxurious services. Palace on Wheels is India’s best royal train and the 4th best luxury train of the world. The train has 15 salons, which are named after the various provinces of Rajasthan. It has two fine restaurants named as Maharani Restaurant and Maharaja Restaurant respectively. Other class facilities include exotic bar, live TV, spa, internet connectivity, television and music. Another train to explore Rajasthan is Heritage on Wheels.
  2. The Maharaja Express
    This luxurious train is a joint venture of the IRCTC and Kings India. The train embarked on its first journey on January 9th, 2010. The Maharajas Express is the newest and by far the costliest train in India. It is equipped with facilities of international standards such as large dining, lounge, bar, generator, direct dial phones, LCD TVs, internet connection, in suit bathrooms and individual temperature controls. The train on a whole offers royal experience to discover the top destinations in India. The journey is of 8-9 days from Mumbai to Delhi.
  3. The Golden Chariot
    Yet another luxury train, the Golden Chariot was started by KSTDC for a journey across the most popular tourist destinations of Karnataka and Goa. This royal train has 19 coaches painted purple and gold, two restaurants, conference room, a lounge bar, spa and a huge gym. The train was named after the Stone Chariot of Hampi and went on its first voyage on March 10, 2008. Discover the amazing architectural designs and fascinating natural landscapes of the Southern part of India on the Golden Chariot.
  4. The Deccan Odyssey
    This luxury train, called the Deccan Odyssey was started by a joint venture of MDTC and IRCTC together. This 5-star train covers the heritage sites of the western state of Maharashtra on the Konkan railway route and boosts the state tourism. This latest luxury train of India carries 21 coaches and is equipped with a bar and a restaurant, a sauna, computers, internet and business canter.

indian-railway

So if you want a mesmerizing experience on a train, check the train ticket availability and the train seat availability with the help of travelkhana. Happy Royal Journey!

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC, Railway Reservation Rules

All About Indian Railway Tatkal Ticket Schemes

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To get a Tatkal ticket, any of the following identity proofs has to be produced as mentioned in the Circular No.68 of 2012 issued vide letter No.2011/TG-1/20/P/ID dated 01.11.2012.

  1. Voter identity card
  2. PAN Card
  3. Driving Licence issued by RTO.
  4. Passport
  5. Centre or state government issued photo identity card with the serial number provided.
  6. Student Identity Card issued by the education institutions with a proper photo on it.
  7. Bank Passbook with a photograph on it.
  8. Banks issued Credit card with a laminated photograph on it.
The Tatkal Charges are fixed as a 10%o the basic the total fare for second class and 30% for all other class on the basic fare.

The minimum and maximum charge are as follows:

Class of Travel Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.)
Second (sitting) 10.00 15.00
Sleeper 90.00 175.00
AC Chair Car 100.00 200.00
AC 3 Tier 250.00 350.00
AC 2 Tier 300.00 400.00
Executive 300.00 400.00

[Source: www.indianrail.gov.in/tatkal_Scheme.html]

  • You can book Tatkal ticket in Executive Class of Shatabdi Express trains also.
  • At 10 AM, one day in advance of the scheduled date of journey, the Tatkal ticket can be booked.
  • No duplicate Tatkal tickets shall be issued. Only on payment of full fare including Tatkal charges, including exceptional cases, a duplicate ticket can be issued.
  • No Tatkal ticket will be booked between 1000 hours and 1200 hours by any Agents / RTSAs/Web service agents/Web agents of IRCTC. This includes web service agents also.
  • You can book for a maximum of four people per PNR for Tatkal ticket.
  • It is permitted to book only one ticket per day by the web service agent of IRCTC.
  • Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDRs) is not being issued for waiting list tickets.

No refund will be granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets/duplicate Tatkal ticket excluding exceptional cases. This has been mentioned in para 2 of instructions contained in Commercial Circular no. 53 of 2006. Only in the in the following circumstances can it be considered:-

    • When the train will travel by a diverted route and passenger is not willing to travel.
    • In case of a delay of more than 3 hours of the train from the originating point of the boarder.
    • If there has been no marked accommodation of attachment of coach and passengers have not been provided accommodation in same class.
    • If you have been accommodated in the lower class and do not want to travel. In such a case, you will you will be provided with a refund of the difference of fare as well as the difference of Tatkal charge if present.
  1. Aadhaar Card.
  • The Advanced Reservation Period has been reduced to one day excluding the day of the departure of the train.

So, whenever you are facing problems in understanding the procedures and schemes of Indian Railways Tatkal Ticket, you can go through the above stated.

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC, Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

Summer Special Trains List 2015

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These summer special trains would be launched from April- 2015 and operate till the end of July 2015. These are special trains for summer holidays.

  • The first summer train would run between Ahmedabad and Patna. A weekly premium superfast train, it would depart from Ahmedabad every Thursday starting April 2. This train would operate till June 25 and would make 13 trips. From Patna this special train would depart every Friday starting April 3 and continue operating till June 26.
  • The Second special train to come on the railway tracks is 09421/09422 Ahmedabad-Allahabad weekly special premium train. This would depart on its maiden trip from Ahmedabad on April 5 and ply till June 28, making a total of 13 trips. From Allahabad it would depart every Friday commencing its first journey on April 6 and would run till June 29.
  • 09015 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Mumbai Bandra Terminus BDTS to Gorakhpur GKP – All Sundays in April (05, 12, 29, 26), May (03, 10, 17, 24, 31), June (07, 14, 21, 28) 2015.–> Schedule of Train: Departs BDTS: 0510 (Sun), ST: 0855, KOTA: 1840, CNB: 0755 (Mon), LKO: 0935, arrives GKP: 1440 (Mon)
    • 09016 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Gorakhpur GKP to Mumbai Bandra Terminus BDTS – All Tuesdays in April (07, 14, 21, 28), May (05, 12, 29, 26), June (02, 09, 16, 23, 30) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs GKP: 0700 (Tue), LKO: 1250, CNB: 1430, KOTA: 0330 (Wed), ST: 1350, arrives BDTS: 1735 (Wed).

    • 09017 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Mumbai Bandra Terminus BDTS to Allahabad ALD via Itarsi – All Thursdays April 02, 19, 16, 23, 30, May 07, 14, 21, 28, June 04, 11, 18, 25 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs BDTS: 0445 (Thu), UDN: 0850, NDB: 1135, BSL: 1530, ET: 2155, JBP: 0140 (Wed), STA: 0425, arrives ALD: 0850 (Wed).

    • 09018 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Allahabad ALD to Mumbai Bandra Terminus BDTS via Itarsi – All Fridays in April (03, 20, 17, 24), May (01, 08, 15, 22, 29), June (05, 12, 19, 26) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ALD: 1025 (Fri), STA: 1400, arrives BDTS: 1610 (Sat).

    • 09411 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Ahmedabad ADI to Patna PNBE – All Thursdays in April (02, 09, 16, 23, 30), May (07, 14, 21, 28), June (04, 11, 18, 25) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ADI: 1150 (Thu), RTM: 1725, KOTA: 2125, CNB: 0650 (Fri), ALD: 0955, MGS: 1240, arrives PNBE: 1610 (Fri).

    • 09412 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Patna PNBE to Ahmedabad ADI – All Fridays in April 03, 10, 17, 24), May (01, 08, 15, 22, 29), June (05, 12, 19, 26) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs PNBE: 2030 (Fri), arrives ADI: 0150 (Sun).

    • 09421 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Ahmedabad ADI to Allahabad ALD via Bhusaval – All Sundays in April (05, 12, 19, 26), May (03, 10, 17, 24, 31), June (07, 14, 21, 28) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ADI: 1410 (Sun), BRC: 1555, ST: 1745, BSL: 0105 (Mon), JBP: 0950, STA: 1300, arrives ALD: 1640 (Mon).

    • 09422 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Allahabad ALD to Ahmedabad ADI via Bhusaval All Mondays in April (06, 13, 20, 27), May (04, 11, 28, 25), June (01, 08, 15, 22, 29) 2915.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ALD: 2105 (Mon), STA: 0025 (Tue), JBP: 0320, BSL: 1345, ST: 1952, BRC: 2205, arrives ADI: 2355 (Tue).

    • 09055 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Surat ST to Patna PNBE – All Tuesdays in April (07, 14, 21, 28), May (05, 12, 19, 26), June (02, 09, 16, 23, 30) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ST: 0610 (Tue), BSL: 1150, JBP: 2205, COI: 0357 (Sat), MGS: 0710, arrives PNBE: 1040 (Wed).

    • 09056 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Patna PNBE to Surat ST – All Wednesdays April 08, 15, 22, 29, May 06, 13, 20, 27, June 03, 10, 27, 24, July 01 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs PNBE: 1455 (Wed), arrives ST: 1955 (Thu).

    • 09051 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Surat ST Gujarat to Chhapra CPR Bihar – All Saturdays in April (04, 11, 18, 25), May (02, 09, 16, 23, 30), June (06, 13, 20, 27) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ST: 0610 (Sat), BSL: 1150, JBP: 2205, COI: 0357 (Sat), BSB: 0720, BUI: 0935, arrives CPR: 1050 (Sun).

    • 09052 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Chhapra CPR Bihar to Surat ST Gujarat – All Sundays in April (05, 12, 19, 26), May (03, 10, 17, 24, 31), June (07, 14, 21, 28) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs CPR: 1325 (Sun), BUI: 1415, BSB: 1710, COI: 1940, JBP: 0150 (Mon), BSL: 1030, arrives ST: 1650 (Mon).

    • 04401 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Delhi Anand Vihar Terminal ANVT to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra J&K will run on all Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ANVT: 2100 (M, Th, Sa), MTC: 2240, UMB: 0233, LDH: 0435 (Tu, F, Su), JAT: 0945, arrives SVDK: 1220 (Tu, F, Su).

    • 04404 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra SVDK J&K to Delhi Anand Vihar ANVT – All Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs SVDK: 1410 (Tu, F, Su), JAT: 1550, JRC: 2040, UMB: 2358, MTC: 0433 (W, Sa, M), arrives ANVT: 0600 (W, Sa, M).

    • 04405 / 04403 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Lucknow Charbagh NR LKO to New Delhi NDLS | Delhi Anand Vihar Terminus ANVT – All Saturdays | Sundays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs LKO: 0650 (Sa, Su), BE: 1042, MB: 1305, GZB: 1517, arrives NDLS/ANVT at 1600/1550 (Sa, Su).

    • 04406 / 04404 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Delhi Anand Vihar Terminus ANVT | New Delhi NDLS respectively to Lucknow Charbagh NR LKO – All Fridays | Saturdays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs ANVT/NDLS: 1935/1925 (Fri, Sat), GZB: 2007, MB: 2240, BE: 0007 (Sat, Sun), arrives LKO: 0440 (Sat, Sun).

    • 04941 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Lucknow Charbagh NR LKO to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra SVDK will run on all Mondays, Thursdays in April, May and June 2016.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs LKO: 1735 (M, Th), arrives SVDK: 1300 (Tu, F).

    • 04942 – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra SVDK to Lucknow Charbagh NR LKO ll Tuesdays, Fridays in April, May, June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs SVDK: 1530 (Tu, F), arrives LKO: 1240 (W, Sa).

    • 04924 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Nangaldam NDLM Punjab to Lucknow Charbagh NR LKO will run on all Mondays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs NDLM: 2345 (Mon), RPAR: 0052 (Tue), CDG: 0220, UMB: 0310, JUD: 0355, SRE: 0445, MB: 0755, BE: 0950, arrives LKO: 1400 (Tue).

    • 04923 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Lucknow Charbagh NR LKO to Nangaldam NDLM Punjab will run on all Tuesdays in April, May, June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs LKO: 1825 (Tue), BE: 2220, MB: 0050 (Wed), SRE: 0340, JUD: 0410, UMB: 0500, CDG: 0615, RPAR: 0747, arrives NDLM: 0850 (Wed).

    • 04928 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Chandigarh CDG to Varanasi BSB will run on all Thursdays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs CDG: 2315 (Thu), UMB: 0010 (Fri), SRE: 0155, MB: 0545, BE: 0710, LKO: 1130, SLN: 1414, arrives BSB: 1730 (Fri).

    • 04929 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Varanasi BSB to Chandigarh CDG – All Fridays in April, May and June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs BSB: 2040 (Fri), SLN: 2250, LKO: 0210 (Sat), BE: 0715, MB: 0900, SRE: 1205, UMB: 1335, arrives CDG: 1430 (Sat).

    • 00851 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Bhubaneshwar BBS to Bangalore Cantonment BNC will run on all Saturdays, Wednesdays in March, April, May, June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs BBS: 2250 (Sa, W), BAM: 0112 (Su, Th), VSKP: 0530, BZA: 1120, RU: 1710, JTJ: 2037, arrives BNC: 2240 (Su, Th).

    • 00852 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Bangalore Cantonment BNC to Bhubaneshwar BBS will run on all Mondays, Fridays in March, April, May, June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs BNC: 0100 (M, F), JTJ: 0332, RU: 0655, BZA: 1230, VSKP: 1820, BAM: 2237, arrives BBS: 0145 (Tu, Sa).

    • 02882 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Bhubaneshwar BBS to Pune PUNE via Hyderabad – All Sundays in April (05, 12, 19, 26), May (03, 10, 17, 24, 31), June (07, 14, 21, 28) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Dep BBS: 2215 (Sun), BAM: 0047 (Mon), VSKP: 0500, BZA: 1100, SC: 1620, SUR: 2350, Arr PUNE: 0500 (Tue).

    • 02881 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Pune PUNE to Bhubaneshwar BBS via Hyderabad will run on all Tuesdays in April (7, 14, 21, 28), May (05, 12, 19, 26), June (02, 09, 16, 23, 30) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs PUNE: 1115 (Tue), SUR: 1520, SC: 2215, BZA: 0415 (Wed), VSKP: 1045, BAM: 1507, arrives BBS: 1735 (Wed).

    • 08449 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Bhubaneshwar BBS Orissa to Patna PNBE Bihar will run all on Fridays in March (06, 13, 20, 27), April (03, 10, 17, 24), May (01, 08, 15, 22, 29), June (05, 12, 19, 26) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs BBS: 1530 (Fri), CTC: 1601, BLS: 1905, ADRA: 0035 (Sat), ASN: 0300, JAJ: 0625, arrives PNBE: 1140 (Sat).

    • 08450 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Patna PNBE Bihar to Bhubaneshwar BBS Orissa runs on all Saturdays in March (07, 14, 21, 28), April (04, 11, 18, 25), May (02, 09, 16, 23, 30), June (06, 13, 20, 27) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs PNBE 1400 (Sat), JAJ: 1740, ASN: 2040, ADRA: 2150, BHC: 0422 (Sun), CTC: 0550, arrives BBS: 0700 (Sun).

    • 08401 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Puri PURI to Kolkata Santragachi SRC – All Fridays in March (06, 13, 20, 27), April (03, 10, 17, 24), May (01, 08, 15, 22, 29), June (05, 12, 19, 26) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs PURI: 2125 (Fri), KUR: 2235, BBS: 2305, JJKR: 0027 (Sat), BHC: 0137, KGP: 0405, arrives SRC: 0630 (Sat).

    • 08402 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Kolkata Santragachi SRC to Puri PURI – All Saturdays in March (07, 14, 21, 28), April (04, 11, 18, 25), May (02, 09, 16, 23, 30), June (06, 13, 20, 27) 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs SRC: 1900 (Sat), KGP: 2032, BLS: 2202, CTC: 0045, BBS: 0125, KUR: 0200, arrives PURI: 0400 (Sun).

    • 08301 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Sambalpur Jn SBP Orissa to Bangalore Yeshwantpur YPR –   All Wednesdays in March, April, May, June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs SBP: 0850 (Wed), BLGR: 1040, TIG: 1210, RGDA: 1530, VSKP: 1920, BZA: 0155 (Thu), RU: 0850, KPD: 1136, arrives YPR: 1630 (Thu).

    • 08302 – Summer Special Premium Express Train – Bangalore Yeshwantpur YPR to Sambalpur SBP Orissa – All Fridays in March, April, May, June 2015.

    –> Schedule of Train: Departs YPR: 0030 (Fri), KPD: 0530, TPTY 0735, BZA: 1435, VSKP: 2055, RGDA: 0015 (Sat), TIG: 0250, BRGA: 0512, arrives: SBP: 0615 (Sat).

 

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC

Highlights of Rail Budget 2015-16

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The 2015 Railway budget was finally presented by the Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu. There were a lot of talking points about the budget, the major one being no hike in tariffs. In his speech, the Union Railways Minister talked about the pivotal areas for the Indian Railways to become the prime contributor to the economy again.

The Modi government had promised for a transformational budget earlier, and thus the people and other analysts had high expectations from it. For a period of 10 before 2012-2013, no fares were increased in railways. When the government did try to hike them, it was met with strong agitation among the public and eventually had to take it back.

The Railways will be working according to this budget till the next year so let’s get down to all the talking points about the budget:-

  • High Level of Service: – The next year is going to be crucial for the Railways and it will work according to today’s budget. The two things like customer experience and safer travel will receive a huge boost to enhance the Rail experience. An all India helpline number 138 will be launched from 1/3/15 along with a toll-free number: 182 for complaints. The minister further revealed that a mobile application is being developed to address the complaints and inquiries of the common people.
  • Rail Fares: It was declared in the budget that there will be no increase in the rail fares till the next budget. This is an important step as it has not been increased for some time now.
  • Private Sector in Railways: – The Indian Railways will team up with the private sector companies, PSUs and multilateral funding institutions for better funding and operations.
  • Better Ticketing Procedure: – With the announcement of Operation 5 minutes, the passengers travelling without reservation will now be able to purchase tickets in 5 minutes. Online ticketing will also get easier and smoother. The ticket holders will receive SMS alerts about the upgraded arrival & departure timings.
  • Announcement of Railway University During the Period: – The minister has announced the introduction of University about Railways and 3 Research Centres for better level of trains in the country.
  • No New Trains: – For the next year, no new trains will be added to the Railways. However, the rail connectivity for North Eastern State and J&K will receive a major boost. There will be more general class coaches added to select identified trains and more AC EMU services for Mumbai suburban section.
  • Revamping Safety Features: – Mr. Suresh Parbhu rightly said that loss of human life is too heavy a price to pay. The Railways has taken accidents seriously and introduced new technologies and options to reduce them as much as possible. Audio Visual Warning systems will be developed in association with ISRO for unmanned crossings. Planning of more and more over bridges and underpasses for reducing the number of levelled crossing is in the pipeline. There will be Surveillance cameras on select mainline and ladies compartments along with the modern facilities for disabled citizens and patients by IRCTC.
  • Search for Better Solutions: – For the first time, the Railways will be taking the public ideas and opinions into consideration. There will be joint ventures with companies; the government will launch a technology portal to invite innovative solutions. A few routes have been identified where the Railways will install Train Protection Warning System and Train Collision Avoidance System for maximum safety.
  • Skill Development and Revenue Generation: – Railways will encourage skill development and self-employment on the basis of Konkani Rly model. The Railways will adopt bidding system for redevelopment of stations. They plan to generate revenue by increasing fare for freight trains except those carrying salt.
  • Expenses: – The Railways plans to spend over 1 lakh crore in 2015-16 while sparing the passengers of a fare hike. The estimated expenditure was Rs. 61,500 crores in 2014-15.
  • Speedy Trains: – However, India will not be getting the Bullet train anytime soon but the minister announced that they will introduce train sets saving 20% of journey time, similar to bullet trains in design that can run on existing tracks. The overall speeds of the trains on nine corridors will be increased to 160-200 km from 110 km.

The Budget has received mixed reactions from the analysts and people, but it is really about the time it delivers. Till then, the people of India will have to wait and watch if the “Transformational Budget” delivers for them or not.

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC, Special Trains, Trains, Trains Between Cities

Holi Special Train 2015 by Indian Railway

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Indian railway scheduled 28 holi special trains for clear the holi festival rush. Here is the complete list of special trains;
  • 01047/01048 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Gorakhpur – Single trip on March 4 and return to LTT on March 8 (single trip) from Gorakhpur.
  • 01027/01028 Mumbai CST-Varanasi Holi Special – Single trip from Mumbai on March 4 and return from Varanasi on March 5.
  • Premium AC train Nizamuddin – Allahabad – A superfast express and, it would depart from Nizamuddin railway station on March 5 and return from Allahabad on March 6.
  • 04931/04932 Varanasi – Delhi- Varanasi  (Tri – Weekly) Holi Special:-  19 Trips in each direction to run from 16.2.2015 to 31.3.2015.
  • 04403/04404 ANAND VIHAR TERMINAL – UDHAMPUR EXPRESS Tri Weekly Holi Special:- 13 Trips in each direction to run from 2.3.2015 to 1.4.2015.
  • 04992/04991 Jammu Tawi – Pathankot – Jammu Tawi  DEMU SPECIAL TRAIN (05 days a week except saturdat, sunday):- 21 Trips in each direction from 2.3.2015 to 31.3.2015.
  • 04921/04922 Saharanpur-Ambala-Saharanpur MEMU Holi special train :- (Daily):- 31 Trips in each direction from 1.3.2015 to 31.3.2015.
  • 04924/04923    Ludhiana-Chandigarh-Ludhiana Holi special train:- 31 Trips in each direction daily  from 1.3.2015 to 31.3.2015.
  • 04416/04415 Anand Vihar T –Lucknow Holi special weekly Train:- 4 Trips in each direction from 6.3.2015 to 29.3.2015 & 04418/04417 New Delhi – Lucknow express Holi special train (weekly ) 4 Trips in each direction from 7.3.2015 to 28.3.2015.
  • 04912/04911 Chandigarh – Varanasi-Chandigarh  express Holi special train (weekly):- 5 Trips in each direction 26.2.2015 to 27.3.2015.
  • 04924/04923 Nangaldam – Lucknow – Nangaldam Superfast express Holi  special train (weekly):- 6 Trips in each direction from 23.2.2015 to 31.3.2015.
  • 04410/04409 Delhi – Darbhanga – Delhi Bi-weekly Superfast express Holi Special:- 5 Trips in each direction from 27.2.2015 to 14.3.2015.
  • 04412/04411 New Delhi-Barauni-New Delhi Bi-Weekly express Holi special:- 5 Trips in each direction from 28.2.2015 to 15.3.2015.

Northern Railway Official Press Release Regarding Holi Special Trains in English – http://goo.gl/qo9jYQ

Northern Railway Official Press Release Regarding Holi Special Trains in Hindi – http://goo.gl/x58qxW

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC

Simplifying Travelling with IRCTC Services

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As a subsidiary of Indian Railways, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, aims to make travelling with Indian Railways an experience of delightful surprises. The concern has a bouquet of services that not only make travelling easy throughout India, but also open new possibilities in tourism, for the consumer and the travel and tourism sector alike.

Since 1999, IRCTC has been constantly improving upon the service and user interfaces. Currently, with almost all their services found online, IRCTC is among the very best concerns in the public sector in terms of user friendliness and being a service provider.

From ticket booking to e-catering, let’s get an idea about their services:

  • Welcome to Smart Travelling –

Perhaps the most prominent and useful service, that IRCTC provides, is the e-ticket service. With this online procedure, the pains of standing in lines for hours and meeting frustration are all things of the past. This simple yet profound service not only saves time, but also travellers now can consider travelling easily via trains.

  • Feast on the Move –

IRCTC’s latest endeavour to make the train travelling a happy experience is the e-catering service. With the PNR number, now passengers can book scheduled meals of their choice while travelling.

  • Travelling for Happiness –

It’s no more only about travelling for a reason with IRCTC. As we have evolved as an economy, more and more Indians are going for packaged tours. IRCTC caters to this growing interest in tourism with its packaged tours. The tours are categorised according to preference like wildlife tours, religious, tour to the North East, tours to beaches of India to name the most popular. And, you can also enjoy a custom tour with IRCTC, as well.

With these tours, you will have the peace of mind as IRCTC will book your accommodations and tickets. Also, professional guides will be there to show you around the places.

  • Going Places –

To entertain the travellers’ wishes to visit places in other countries, IRCTC conducts international tours, as well. Joining hands with Thomas Cook, the global tourism concern, IRCTC provides some of the most comfortable, well-planned and well-managed tours.

You can also book international flights with IRCTC.

With these services, considerably well managed, IRCTC is winning many smiles on a daily basis.

  • In The Name of the Gods –

India is a country of many gods. And the pilgrimage in India has always been an important aspect of life. IRCTC offers tours to some of the most popular pilgrimage spots in the country. Now, it has become hassle free and comfortable to pay a visit to the holy of the holies in Tirupati, Kanyakumari, Mahakaleswar and many other places. Also, as Indian Railways has special trains for special religious occasions, IRCTC’s packages during those festivals have become quite popular.

  • Help at your Doorstep –

When we travel to other cities or places, we often have to take care of the conveyance troubles ourselves. Sometimes, these become a serious bother and mar the joys of travelling. IRCTC offers concierge and taxi services to make our travel a little easier. This relatively new service has already gained a lot of appreciation among the travellers in India.

  • Experience Culture and Heritage –

India is truly a haven of cultural monuments and statues. Knowing about the visiting times, directions to reach those places and getting proper guidance are some of the most annoying troubles that travellers face. IRCTC helps travellers to visit these places without harassment and frustration. One just has to book the visit schedules and all the necessities will be taken care by the concern.

  • Travelling by Theme –

India has been the birthplace of many cultural and religious movements. And many travellers wish to travel through all the places that are significant in a certain culture. With the Tourist Trains and IRCTC’s scheduled services, now travellers can enjoy this kind of tourism. Buddhist Circuit and Bharat Darshan are two brilliant examples of this service. Truly, this is a unique and sincere approach to showcase India’s rich history.

Now, a passenger can track his/her train’s schedule with SMS and train tracking apps, as well. With all these innovative services, IRCTC is making sure that the Indian Railways remains our first preference while travelling, for pleasure or for business.

Indian Rail Info, Indian Railway News, IRCTC

Get Indian Railway Information on Mobile via SMS or Call

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Indian Railways has been a mixed blessing for us Indians. There was a time when the railways timetable booklet was referred to as the ‘joke book’ of Rail ministry. Waiting at the station for hours for the train to come was a regular incident.

And booking tickets was a matter of real drudgery. Long queues, unreliable information and frustrating behaviour were all part and parcel of train travelling.

Until recently, the situation remained almost unchanged. In the era of high-tech speed, we had to go to physical centres to book tickets. We had a website, but there was always a chance that it would not work properly.

Today, fortunately, things are changing. Now, e-ticketing is a reality. Along with this and other facilities, SMS booking has been launched, and for sure, this is going to change the experience of Indian Railways forever.

  • The Initial Stages –

Previously, the Indian Railways website could only book a meagre 2000 tickets per minute. When the site crashed under excessive passenger traffic, the Ministry of Railways took initiatives to re-launch the site. The new site can book 7200 tickets per minute. Last year along with the new site launch, the SMS ticket booking and information system was also launched. Now obtaining any news regarding the Indian Railways is a matter of sending an SMS.

  • The Process –

Before you press the send button, there are a few steps to cover. Let’s look at the process:

  1. The process works on the foundation of Immediate Payment Service or IMPS supported by banks. You need to have an account with a bank, which supports IMPS. Currently, almost all banks do that. You also need to have the Mobile Money Identifier or the MMID code of seven digits for the transaction.
  2. You have to create your own IRCTC account. When you need to enter the phone number, please enter the number, which you have registered in the bank through which the payment will be processed.
  3. As you are done with the IRCTC account and your bank’s MMID, a One Time Password or OTP will be sent to you from your bank.
  4. Now send the SMS to 139. It should read like BOOK (Train number) (Train code) Passenger name passenger gender, etc. you can book up to six seats through the SMS.
  5. IRCTC will send an SMS with fare and seat availability as well as the transaction ID.
  6. Send PAY IMPS IRCTC user ID to 139.
  7. As the confirmation message arrives, just show the message while you board the train or the checker comes. There is no need to print anything.

At the first go, the process may seem a bit complicated. But just think about standing the lines or the frustration in case of internet failure, soon you will get accustomed with this process. And considering a meagre fee of Rs. 3 per SMS and a lot of ease, booking tickets through SMS is really the dream of any Indian Railways traveller.

  • Other Services –

Other than booking tickets, the Indian Railways SMS service is a complete information hub. Passengers can get a number of important answers from the service. The most common are:

  1. SMS Railway to 57886: This is for Indian Railways overall information like schedule, timetable, PNR status, search seat availability, etc. The return SMS would have all the options from which the sender will again choose and send.
  2. SMS IRTRAIN (Train Name) or IRTRAIN (Train No.) to 57886: This will show the time table of the train.

Another number, which has the same facility, is 139. By sending the right SMS, you can avail the right information;

  1. SMS PNR (10 digit PNR number) to 139 for any PNR enquiry.
  2. SMS AD (Train number) (Station STD code) to 139 to know the arrival and departure times.
  3. To know the seat accommodation, please SMS SEAT (Train number) (date of journey) (Station from: STD Code) (Station to: STD Code) (Class) (Quota) to 139.

Likewise, you can enquirer about train name and time, as well.

These simple technological help is going to make a huge impact on our economy making travelling and reaching places simpler. Truly, the SMS facility is a new age facility for Indian Railways passengers.

IRCTC, Special Trains, Trains

Overview of Indian Railway Luxury Trains

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Since we can remember, India has enjoyed a reputation of being a destination of luxury. Here, a mere meal can escalate to the degree of being divine, a sombre journey has the potential to become a saga of sophistication, and a stay can re-define ideas of elegant living.

And this obsession, with a larger-than-life luxury, is celebrated in real, everyday schedules, as well. With a legacy of luxury, as old as eternity, the luxury trains from the stable of Indian Railways and IRCTC turn a simple journey into a tryst with regal living. These trains are truly the epitome of Indian luxury and sophistication done to perfection.

  • The Maharaja Express –

If you thought that a train journey can never offer sophisticated journey experience, think again, India’s Maharaja Express is the answer to Europe’s Oriental Express. The new age Maharaja Express is the property of IRCTC since 2010. The idea at work here is the same that defined the kingly life in India during the reigns of kings and the British Raj. From décor, dining to facilities, this train has everything done in the perfect royal style.

Wi-Fi connection, satellite TV, DVD viewing, air conditioning are just a few of the services that you will enjoy during the week long journey covering five different itineraries. Two of these focus on the Delhi-Rajasthan circuit while the other cover wider routes across India touching the most regal destinations.

From on-the-train luxury to off-the-train guided tours, this train is one of the best tourist trains in the world.

  • Palace on Wheels –

This was the original luxury tourist train of India. The inspiration came from the personal coaches that served the kings of Rajasthan, Nizams of Hyderabad, and of course, the Viceroys of the British Raj.

The coaches of these trains, the ‘Chambers’ or the ‘Saloons,’ bring a slice of royal life for the passengers. From personal attendants, air conditioning, satellite TV and internet connections, five-star toilet and room facilities are the essential part of the itinerary on board.

The Palace on Wheels along with the Maharaja Express has helped the tourism in Rajasthan flourish. The universal and timeless charm of these trains has made them a top seller in the Indian Railways repertoire.

  • The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels –

These trains exclusively cater to the tourists in Rajasthan looking for extra orbital experience. All the facilities, that define the luxury class train journeys, are present here, as well. The itinerary takes the passengers to the most colourful wildlife sites and iconic palaces of Rajasthan. The journey fittingly ends in Agra. Since the launch of the trains in 2009, passengers have shown great appreciation and favours to the journeys.

  • The Deccan Odyssey –

Indian luxury is not only about Rajasthan or the Raj. In 2004, the Maharashtra Tourism, along with the Taj Group’s help, launched the Deccan Odyssey itineraries. These trains offer a five-star luxury travel extravaganza covering various routes across western and south-western parts of the country.

From 3 nights’ stay to a full week’s sojourn, passengers can avail various itineraries based on travel routes. Gujarat, Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka as well as parts of Agra are covered by these routes. Wildlife to cultural tourism, spiritual to the historical journey – Deccan Odyssey will take you to themed holidays with unmatched luxury.

  • The Golden Chariot –

In 2008, Karnataka Tourism launched their flagship luxury trains, the Golden Chariot. The name comes from the iconic wheel of the temple in Hampi. These trains offer the quintessential luxury facilities like spa treatment, internet connectivity, etc.

The coaches are named after ancient kingdoms and the entire design and décor, just like all other luxury trains, revolve around the theme of India’s royalty. Passengers are taken to various historical and cultural sites in Karnataka and given guided tours.

  • The Kolkata Metro –

Indian Railways counts the Kolkata Metro service as a luxury service. And quite rightly so! The metro rails are the most preferred way of travelling in the busy city that saves time, effort, and of course, money. No wonder, all other metros are now following Kolkata Metro’s footstep for better intra-city transport ease.

Whether it’s vacation of a lifetime or a way of daily commute, the luxury trains of India make life easier in more than one way.