Recently, students from Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, expressed concerns regarding the IRCTC website, leading the ministry to pledge a refreshed version by July 15.
Students assess beta version prior to launch
In the final stages of testing, officials from IRCTC and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) showcased the beta version to students at MNIT. The students were invited to evaluate the site and provide feedback ahead of its official launch.
“A few weeks ago, students of MNIT, Jaipur identified problems with the IRCTC website. We assured them it would be redesigned by July 15,” the Ministry of Railways stated on July 10.
As per the Railways, the site is being integrated with the revamped Passenger Reservation System, which is also undergoing substantial enhancements.
Officials noted that the complete version of the new IRCTC website will be accessible once the modernised reservation engine is fully operational in the coming months.
Four key changes in the revamped IRCTC website
The beta version introduces multiple features aimed at enhancing the ticket booking process.
Simplified Login Process: The upgraded website eliminates unnecessary captchas, pop-ups, and distracting animations.
Seat Availability for All Classes: Passengers can conveniently check seat availability across all travel classes when searching for trains.
Quicker Ticket Booking: The booking procedure has been streamlined, reducing the number of steps involved to expedite ticket purchases.
More Convenient Repeat Reservations: The platform allows passengers to save traveler details, streamlining future bookings by negating the need for repeated information entry.
Major upgrade of the reservation system underway
This new website is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernise its nearly four-decade-old Passenger Reservation System. “This involved significant efforts, as the system needed to remain operational during the upgrade process. We will be launching the new Passenger Reservation engine very soon,” they stated.
Since its introduction in 2002, online ticket booking now constitutes almost 88% of train ticket reservations in the country.
