Good News for Indian Railways Passengers: Enhanced Ticketing Capacity
The Indian Railways has announced a significant upgrade to its ticketing system, enabling it to process up to 100,000 tickets per minute, a fourfold increase from the current capacity of 25,000 tickets per minute. This modernization aims to eliminate technical glitches and delays that passengers often face during ticket booking. The revamped system, powered by advanced cloud technology, will replace outdated servers and ensure smoother, faster, and more reliable ticketing services.
Major System Overhaul with Cloud Technology
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed in Parliament that the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is spearheading this comprehensive overhaul. The existing Passenger Reservation System (PRS), operational since 2010, will be replaced with a state-of-the-art cloud-based platform. This upgrade includes modernized hardware, software, network infrastructure, and enhanced security features to meet the evolving needs of passengers. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the travel experience for millions of rail users across India.
Advance Reservation Period Reduced to 60 Days
In addition to technological upgrades, Indian Railways has introduced a key policy change to enhance passenger convenience. The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for train tickets has been reduced from 120 days to 60 days, effective from November 1. This decision, based on booking trends and cancellation patterns, aims to minimize cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring better availability of tickets for travelers.
New Mobile App ‘Rail One’ Launched
To further simplify ticketing, Indian Railways recently launched a new mobile application called ‘Rail One.’ This user-friendly app allows passengers to book both reserved and unreserved tickets directly from their smartphones, making the process more accessible and efficient. The app is designed to cater to the growing demand for digital solutions in rail travel.
Focus on General Passengers
Indian Railways emphasized its commitment to serving the common traveler. Currently, around 70% of train coaches are non-air-conditioned, catering to the majority of passengers. The railway authorities plan to manufacture an additional 17,000 general and sleeper coaches over the next five years. In the last financial year alone, 1,250 general coaches were added to long-distance trains to accommodate growing passenger demand.
Indian Railways Ticketing System Upgraded: Why It Matters
These upgrades mark a significant step toward modernizing India’s vast railway network, one of the largest in the world. By addressing long-standing issues such as slow booking processes and system crashes, Indian Railways aims to enhance passenger satisfaction and streamline operations. The introduction of the ‘Rail One’ app and the reduced reservation period further demonstrate the railway’s focus on leveraging technology and data-driven decisions to improve accessibility and convenience for millions of travelers.
Indian Railways Ticketing System: FAQs
1. What is the new ticketing capacity of Indian Railways?
The upgraded system will process up to 100,000 tickets per minute, a fourfold increase from the current 25,000 tickets per minute.
2. When will the new advance reservation period take effect?
The reduced 60-day advance reservation period will be effective from November 1.
3. What is the ‘Rail One’ app?
‘Rail One’ is a new mobile application launched by Indian Railways, allowing passengers to book reserved and unreserved tickets directly from their smartphones.
4. Why was the advance reservation period reduced to 60 days?
The reduction aims to minimize cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances and improve ticket availability based on booking trends.
5. How is Indian Railways prioritizing general passengers?
Around 70% of coaches are non-AC, and 17,000 additional general and sleeper coaches will be manufactured over the next five years.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on official announcements by Indian Railways and the Union Railway Minister. Details are accurate as of the publication date, August 9, 2025. For the latest updates, refer to official Indian Railways platforms.
For more information, visit the official Indian Railways website: https://indianrailways.gov.in/