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IRCTC Faces Major Outage Due to Maintenance, Ticket Booking Affected

December 26, 2024, 11:19 am

IRCTC, the online ticketing platform for Indian Railways, is experiencing a significant outage on Thursday due to maintenance, disrupting access to its website and mobile app. This is the second disruption in December, raising concerns among frequent users.

In a statement, IRCTC confirmed that the outage was due to maintenance activities, which have temporarily halted e-ticketing services. It urged passengers to try again later.

For those needing to cancel tickets, IRCTC advised contacting customer care or emailing ticket details for a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR). The customer care numbers are 14646, 08044647999, and 08035734999.

The timing of the outage is particularly problematic during the busy holiday season when many rely on the platform for ticket management.

Impact on IRCTC Stock and Recent Policy Changes

The outage has affected IRCTC’s stock, which has dropped nearly 1% in today’s trading, continuing a downward trend over the past week and year-to-date, with a loss of over 10% in 2024.

The disruption follows recent changes to Indian Railways’ booking policies, such as reducing the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) from 120 to 60 days to prevent over-booking and cancellations. While this move is aimed at improving ticket management during peak periods, it has received mixed reactions.

Indian Railways Implements Major Changes to Train Ticket Advance Booking Rules

October 17, 2024, 3:28 pm

In a significant update, Indian Railways has announced a reduction in the advance booking period for train tickets, changing it from 120 days to 60 days. This new policy will take effect on November 1, 2024, allowing passengers to book their IRCTC train tickets only 60 days ahead of the train’s scheduled departure.

Impact on IRCTC Shares

Following this announcement, shares of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) experienced a decline, trading down by 2.2% at Rs 867.60 as of 2:20 PM.

Exceptions to the New Rules

The new rules will not apply to certain daytime express trains, such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express, which already have shorter advance reservation periods in place. Additionally, the advance booking limit for foreign tourists, currently set at 365 days, will remain unchanged.

Passengers who have already booked tickets prior to November 1 will not be affected by the new advance booking regulations, ensuring that their existing reservations remain intact.

Indian Woman Praises Swedish Train Service For Refund, Sparking Global Comparisons

July 24, 2024, 4:37 pm

An Indian woman living in Sweden took to X to express her contentment about paying higher taxes after receiving compensation for a train AC failure. The woman, who uses the handle @GirlFromMalmo, received a text from the Swedish railways informing her of a 50% ticket refund in the form of a voucher. The railways also apologized for the inconvenience caused to the passengers.

“Why I don’t complain too much about taxes in Sweden,” she wrote.

According to the screenshot posted on X, the text reads, “The AC on your train is out of order. You will automatically be compensated for 50% of the ticket price in the form of a voucher that can be used to buy new SJ tickets. You will receive your voucher via email. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

The message further directed her to visit a website if she wanted to “rebook her journey free of charge” or “cancel and receive a refund.”

Since being shared on July 23, the post has accumulated over 3.3 lakh views, with many people commenting on the high quality of service.

Public Reactions

One user commented, “It’s not about the tax you pay, it’s about the quality of life/value for tax that you get in return that people mostly complain about.” Another shared, “My train was delayed in London for 20 minutes, and I got a cheque as compensation sent to me in Australia!”

“Exactly! That accountability factor makes the difference,” expressed a third. A fourth person remarked, “IRCTC in a parallel universe.” “The public transport system is top-notch. The trains aren’t late like in Germany,” joined a fifth.

The incident highlights the contrast in public transport services and customer service standards between Sweden and other countries.

IRCTC Issues Warning Against Google Ads Scam, Check What The Scam Is All About?

July 17, 2024, 7:39 pm

Indian public sector undertaking IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has recently warned customers about new scam-the google ads scam.

The IRCTC has recently asked people to not trust those google ads, which declare, that they can help customers in getting their tickets refunds. As these days, scammers have found a new outlet in train ticketing business to commit the scam.

Taking to X, government’s cyber safety & cyber-security handle cyberdost also said ‘IRCTC never asks for personal banking info or to install remote control apps. Beware of frauds via Google ads claiming IRCTC refunds!’

Meanwhile issuing they also said that IRCTC or their employees do not call on the phone nor they ask for personal banking information like Debit Card/Credit Card, OTP/ATM PIN/CVV number or PAN number etc.

In addition, IRCTC also doesn’t ask to download remote control app like Anydesk/teamviewer on mobile, laptop and desktop.

Check The Tweet

Alert: Online Financial Fraud in the Name of IRCTC Ticket Refunds via Google Ads. Stay Cautious” Stay vigilant! #FraudAlert #I4C #MHA #Cyberdost #Cybersecurity #CyberSafeIndia pic.twitter.com/brVDLWWit4

— Cyber Dost (@Cyberdost) July 16, 2024

But in case of cybercrime issue, people can also lodge their complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in./. In case of online financial scam, dial this number: 1930.

Earlier, IRCTC also issued a warning to android users, that scammers are now distributing phishing links in the guise of IRCTC app link.

Taking to X, they warned customers about this phishing scam and said, ‘Dear Customer, it has been reported that a malicious and fake mobile app campaign is in circulation where some fraudsters are sending phishing links at a mass level and insisting users to download fake ‘IRCTC Rail Connect’ mobile app to trick common citizens into fraudulent activities.’

Later, it asked the customers to install the app from only official stores like- Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

IRCTC Ordered To Refund Ticket, Compensate Couple ₹10,000 for Missed Diverted Train

July 14, 2024, 2:45 pm

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Chandigarh has ordered the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railways to refund ₹477.70 for the tickets and pay ₹10,000 to compensate the couple. The couple had sought a refund after their train, which was diverted due to technical reasons, did not stop at their boarding station in Gurgaon.

Bhartendu Sood of Chandigarh filed a complaint stating that on November 29, 2022, he and his wife, Neela Sood, booked two railway tickets for their journey from Gurgaon to Chandigarh on December 13, 2022, totaling ₹477.70. The complainants reported that upon arriving at the station to board the train, they received a message on their registered mobile numbers indicating that the train would not be stopping in Gurgaon on December 13 due to technical reasons.

After this, the complainants took a bus to Chandigarh. A week later, they emailed IRCTC requesting a refund of the ticket amount but were informed that the refund could not be processed as they had not applied within 72 hours at the boarding station.

The complaint stated that “as the complainants were senior citizens, it was not feasible for them to apply for a refund at the boarding station in Gurgaon. Additionally, they hurried to Chandigarh by bus after receiving the IRCTC message.”

In its response, IRCTC stated that it merely provides access to the Railway Passenger Reservation System (PRS) through its server and internet connectivity for ticket bookings. Once a ticket is issued and the fare is transferred to the railways, IRCTC claimed it has no further involvement. Additionally, IRCTC noted that it has no role in the diversion of trains, which is managed by Indian Railways.

In its reply, Indian Railways asserted that it has no connection to the issues raised in the complaint and requested that the complaint against them be dismissed.

Upon reviewing the case, the Commission noted that the Electronic Reservation Slip indicated that IRCTC charged a convenience fee of ₹17.70 for booking the ticket, while Indian Railways charged a ticket fare of ₹460 from the complainants.

“Thus, it stands proved on record that the complainants paid Rs 477.70 to both the IRCTC and the Indian Railways for availing their service for travelling from Gurgaon to Chandigarh on the relevant date, time and place. Moreover, it is an admitted case of the parties that the train did not touch the station at Gurgaon on the relevant date and time, as a result of which the complainants had to travel from Gurgaon to Chandigarh by bus which caused immense harassment to them, hence both IRCTC and Indian Railways cannot escape from their liability, and the aforesaid act amounts to deficiency in service on their part, especially when the entire case set up by the complainant in the consumer complaint as well as the evidence available on record is unrebutted by the IRCTC and Indian Railways,” the Commission stated.

IRCTC Highlights 3 Key Booking Guidelines, Dispels Viral Misinformation

June 26, 2024, 1:52 pm

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has refuted claims circulating on social media regarding restrictions on booking train tickets for individuals with different surnames. In a statement, IRCTC clarified that the information claiming penalties of up to Rs 10,000 or imprisonment for booking tickets for non-blood relatives with different surnames is false and misleading.

“The news in circulation on social media about restrictions in the booking of e-tickets due to different surnames is false and misleading,” IRCTC stated. The corporation emphasized that individuals can book tickets using their personal User IDs for friends, family, and relatives without any such restrictions. It further reiterated that bookings made under personal User IDs are not intended for commercial purposes, as stipulated under Section 143 of the Railways Act, 1989.

IRCTC encouraged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and assured that ticket bookings through their platform adhere to Railway Board guidelines, which are publicly accessible for verification.

Board Guidelines and required information are available on the public domain as under:

1. One can book tickets on personal User ID for friends, family, and relatives.

2. Booking can be done for up to 12 tickets per month which in case of Aadhaar-authenticated users can go up to 24 tickets per month, if one of the passengers on a ticket is also aadhar authenticated.

3. Tickets booked on personal User IDs are not meant for commercial sale and such an act is an offense under section 143 of Railways Act 1989.

Passenger Finds Live Cockroach In IRCTC Veg Thali, Shares Video

June 8, 2024, 5:29 pm

A shocking incident has come to light as a passenger travelling on an Indian Railways train discovered a live cockroach in their vegetable thali ordered from IRCTC. The passenger shared a video of the unsettling discovery on the ‘Indian Railways’ subreddit, showing the insect crawling on a gulab jamun.

The video quickly gained attention, with Reddit users making witty remarks. One user joked about the “crunchy, protein-rich diet,” while another sarcastically commented on the railway’s “innovative approach” to offering an “expensive non-veg thali” with a live garnish. The humorous banter continued with comments about the cockroach’s “wildcard entry” into the dessert and its potential as an “impact player” in the culinary scene.

This incident is not isolated. Another traveller on the Kashi Express, Parvez Hashmi, recently shared a similar experience. Hashmi found an insect in his meal and took to social media to express his dismay. Tagging Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hashmi shared detailed information about his journey on train number 15018, which runs between Gorakhpur and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai.

These incidents raise serious concerns about the quality of food served on trains, prompting calls for authorities to address these issues to ensure passengers can travel without worrying about the safety and hygiene of their meals.

Fog Disrupts Train Schedules in Delhi: 20 Trains Delayed, Travellers Face Hassle

January 8, 2024, 12:23 pm

The national capital, New Delhi, is grappling with travel disruptions as dense fog blankets several parts of the country, affecting train schedules. Railway officials have reported delays for as many as 20 trains expected to arrive late on Monday due to the prevailing foggy conditions.

According to Northern Railways, four trains are significantly impacted, running behind schedule by approximately 6 hours. These include the Katihar-Amritsar Express, the Khajuarao-Kurukshetra Express, the Jammutawi-Ajmer Express, and the Ajmer-Katra Pooja Express. Another three trains, namely the Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Ambedkarnagar-Katra Express, and Chennai-New Delhi GT, are anticipated to be delayed by around 2 hours. Additionally, the Manikpur-Nizamuddin Express is expected to arrive almost 4 hours late.

Twelve other trains are running behind by approximately 1-1.30 hours, including Kanpur-New Delhi Shramshakti, Saharsa-New Delhi Vaishali Express, Banglore-Nizamuddin, Bhubneshwar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Prayagraj-New Delhi Express, Rajendranagar-New Delhi Express, Muzaffarpur-Anand Vihar Express, Amritsar-Mumbai Express, Hyderabad-New Delhi Express, and Chennai-New Delhi GT.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that shallow to moderate fog has been experienced in isolated pockets over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Visibility below 500 meters has been recorded in several parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Very dense fog conditions have been observed over isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Dense fog is expected in isolated pockets of Madhya Pradesh.

The weather conditions have led to significant measures, with the state education department in Chandigarh announcing a temporary suspension of physical classes up to the 8th grade in all government, government-aided, and recognized private schools for the next six days, from January 8 to January 13, 2024. Online classes have been recommended during this period.

In Delhi, thin fog has been witnessed, intensifying cold weather conditions. Parts of the city, including AIIMS and the Barapullah Flyover areas, experienced a layer of fog. The Central Pollution Control Board reports that the air quality in the national capital remains in the very poor category, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded above 300.

The prevailing weather conditions extend beyond Delhi, with dense fog reported in Bihar’s Patna and a thin layer observed on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. As the fog persists, travelers are advised to check for updates and plan accordingly, while authorities continue to monitor and manage the impact on transportation and daily activities.

Railway Ministry Uses Viral ‘Casual Hai’ Meme to Promote Train Travel Safety

January 4, 2024, 12:45 pm

In a creative move to enhance rail safety awareness, the Indian Railways Ministry has incorporated a popular meme, “Baithne ka tarika thoda casual hai” (Sitting style is a bit casual), to caution passengers against sitting at train doors. The meme, which gained notoriety during a viral video of an IAS interviewer’s remark, has now been repurposed by the Railways Ministry to encourage responsible rail travel.

The Railways Ministry, known for its engaging social media presence, posted the meme on X with the caption, ”Be a #ResponsibleRailYatri and do not travel while sitting at the door.” The accompanying image features two passengers seated at the train door, emphasizing the casual approach to sitting in a humorous manner.

Be a #ResponsibleRailYatri and do not travel while sitting at the door. pic.twitter.com/XCsqwSUs5I

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) January 3, 2024

While some passengers found amusement in the meme, others took the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions. One user urged the Railways to focus on introducing more trains and seats, ensuring timely services, and efficiently managing seat availability.

Another user suggested implementing a safety feature where doors automatically lock once the train reaches a certain speed. A third user expressed concern about passengers sitting at the door, suggesting deploying undercover officers in unreserved and non-AC compartments to understand the challenges faced by passengers.

This initiative is part of the Railways Ministry’s strategy to leverage trending memes and viral content to convey important safety messages. In the past, the ministry has successfully used such approaches to engage with a broader audience and promote responsible rail travel.

In November of the previous year, the ministry shared images of the Vande Bharat Express from Kerala, using the viral dialogue “So beautiful, so elegant” to describe the trains. By embracing popular trends, the Railways Ministry continues to blend creativity with safety advocacy in its communication strategy.

No increase in cancellations following accident: IRCTC denies Congress’ claims

June 6, 2023, 3:51 pm

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), which provides railway ticketing services, has denied the Congress’ claims that thousands of Indians cancelled their tickets following the triple train accident in Odisha.

“This is factually incorrect. Cancellations have not increased. On the contrary, cancellations have reduced from 7.7 Lakh on 01.06.23 to 7.5 Lakh on 03.06.23,” IRCTC tweeted Tuesday. The restoration work at the accident site for the regular movement of trains has now been completed.

Congress leader and former union minister Bhakta Charan Das at a press conference on Monday claimed thousands of people had cancelled their tickets after the accident as they were not feeling safe to travel. “Such a train accident has never happened in the past. Hundreds of people lost their lives and more than a thousand people were injured. This incident has hurt everyone. Thousands of people have cancelled their tickets after the accident. They feel that travelling in the train is not safe.”

The unfortunate train accident in Odisha’s Balasore on Friday left at least 275 dead and over 1,000 injured. The accident involved Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and the goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in the Balasore district. As many as 17 coaches of these two passenger trains were derailed and severely damaged in the deadly accident.

Real-time train tracking system developed by Indian Railways

September 24, 2022, 12:46 pm

Indian Railways is developing a real-time tracking system in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This will provide real-time updates on the trains including the arrival and departure times.

The Railway ministry said, “Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS), developed in collaboration with ISRO, is being installed on the locomotives for automatic acquisition of train movement timing at the stations, including that of arrival & departure or run-through. They get automatically plotted on the control chart of those trains in the Control Office Application (COA) system”

Travellers will now be able to track the timings, location, time or arrival and departure along with the speed of the trains with RTIS. The system will provide mid-section updates within 30 seconds.
RTIS devices have been installed in 2700 trains till now. In phase 2, 6000 more trains will be covered under the RTIS system.

Meanwhile, a senior IRCTC official also told about the success of the newly launched chatbot of the IRCTC. It is getting a remarkable response from the passengers during the beta launch as more than one billion people have used it.
It allows the passengers to book a train ticket without the IRCTC app login, via OTP (One Time Password) with just one click. The new conversational and convenient features enhance the experience of the passengers as it enables the passengers to book tickets via voice, chat and click-based system.

The official further added, “First time, the users can book a ticket without knowing their IRCTC password, it will be possible just with an OTP. AskDISHA 2.0 has also proven to be a very effective instrument and the addition of voice booking will make it even easier for travellers to plan their trips.”
It is estimated that at least 25% of the users will switch to this option in the future.

Second Ramayana circuit train journey by Bharat Gaurav train will start from August 24

August 7, 2022, 2:26 pm

The second Ramayana circuit rail journey through Bharat Gaurav trains will start on August 24. Ajit Kumar Sinha, Chief Regional Manager, IRCTC has given this information. Sinha said that the journey will start from the Safdarjung railway station in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Ajit Kumar Sinha said that the train will visit places associated with Lord Shri Ram. Places like Janakpur, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Sitamarhi, Buxar, Kashi, Chitrakoot, Rameshwaram, Kanchipuram, Nashik, Hampi and Bhadrachalam. Sinha said that this train will have third AC class coaches and will have the facility of traveling with pure vegetarian food for 600 passengers.

The Chief Regional Manager of IRCTC said that the cost of the package will be Rs 84,000 for one person. Apart from this, the price of the package will be Rs 73,500 per person for staying with two to three people. At the same time, the package for one child will be Rs 67,200.

Morrover, Sinha said that IRCTC is also giving a 10% discount on the booking of the first 100 passengers. With this, Sinha also told that the payment of the journey can be done in installments in 3-36 months. The installment will be Rs 2,690 per person per month.

According to the Chief Regional Manager, the boarding facility in Bharat Gaurav train will be from Delhi-Safdarjung, Ghaziabad then Aligarh, Tundla, Kanpur, and Lucknow. Booking can be done from the IRCTC office and website located at Paryatan Bhawan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.