As one of the largest railway networks in the world, the Indian Railways has come a long way. Spreading across the length and breadth of the country, the railway lines cover about 1.2 Lakh kilometres. Express trains, mail express and passenger trains together are the lifelines of the country, giving a boost to the economy as well.
Affordable, convenient and far-reaching, the Indian railways have undergone major transformations over its varied history. The biggest change can be seen in the way we now do our train ticket bookings. From queues to quick clicks, let us take a look at this remarkable journey.
Early Days of Ticket Booking
The early days had limited rapid and efficient modes of transportation, as bullock carts, bicycles, tangas, and similar means were primarily suitable for local travel. It was only after the need arose to expand trade and transportation of goods, that trains emerged as an efficient and affordable option. Consequently, people favoured trains for intercity travel, as they provided a faster and more convenient means to commute between cities.
During the early days of train ticket booking, the process primarily involved visiting the railway station ticket counters in person. Passengers had to queue up hours in advance to purchase tickets. The process was not just time and effort-consuming but the element of uncertainty about ticket availability always persisted.
That’s not all, train ticket booking was limited to manual paper-based systems. Passengers had no other choice but to rely solely on the station master’s ticketing services. The process was time-consuming and less flexible, requiring travellers to plan well in advance and physically visit the station for ticket procurement, reflecting a stark contrast to the modern, digitised booking systems available today.
Introduction of Computerised Systems
Thankfully, by the year 1987, the computerised reservation system started to take shape.
This introduction revolutionised train ticket booking, marking a pivotal shift from manual to automated processes. It was a technological leap that streamlined the booking procedures, offering passengers the convenience of reserving tickets remotely through online platforms or kiosks. Computerisation enabled real-time seat availability checks, and PNR enquiry, facilitated faster transactions, and reduced long queues at station counters. Computerised bookings also enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility, empowering travellers to plan, book, and manage their journeys effortlessly.
The implementation of computerised systems heralded a new era in railway ticketing, significantly improving the overall passenger experience and transforming the way people accessed and secured train tickets. Things like online train ticket booking or digital reservations or instant PNR enquiry, which were once unheard of, started to slowly become normal.
Advent of Online Platforms
The birth of IRCTC, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, in 2002 came as a welcome change. Being the only online train ticket booking in India, the platform was soon overburdened with bookings. While the platform could handle about 3 lakh concurrent users simultaneously, the surge can often become overwhelming.
The advent of private online platforms for train booking in India revolutionised the way travellers accessed railway services. Many of these platforms offered a user-friendly interface, allowing passengers to book tickets, check train schedules, and select preferred seats from the comfort of their homes.
Role of redRail in Modernising the Process
With secure payment gateways and real-time updates, redRail provides convenience and flexibility, reducing dependency on physical ticket counters. Redrail has been able to streamline the entire process of online train ticket booking, eliminating long queues and enabling travellers to plan their journeys efficiently.
The role of redRail in modernising train ticket booking impact of online railway ticket booking transcends mere efficiency and passenger convenience. Its significance extends deeper into broader economic, social, and environmental sustainability objectives.
By aligning with India’s commitment to developing stronger and more sustainable transportation infrastructure, redRail continues to play a crucial role in fostering a more enduring and eco-friendly approach to travel and connectivity. We strive to mark a significant shift in the accessibility and convenience of train ticket reservations across the country.
In Conclusion
With over 2.3 crore passengers taking trains daily, there is no denying that train travel is still one of the most popular and preferred modes of travel. Despite the questionable comfort and the long hours, a train journey is an experience in itself. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the charm of scenic routes, cost-effectiveness, and the unique experience it offers, allowing passengers to relax, socialise, and admire picturesque landscapes, an amalgamation not many other modes of transport can offer.
If you plan to take a train journey, let redRail be your travel partner. From hassle-free ticket booking to regular and accurate information on your train status, we at redRail have got it all covered.
