IRCTC Expands Ticketing Services to Include Namo Bharat Trains; Unlimited Passes Under Consideration
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024
In a move set to streamline travel options across the National Capital Region (NCR), the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has announced a new collaboration with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). This partnership, revealed on Monday, will allow passengers to book tickets for the Namo Bharat trains, also known as the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), through the IRCTC platform. This integration supports the ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative, which aims to simplify travel for commuters.
Following the success of a similar initiative launched last month between the Delhi Metro and IRCTC, this new service will enable users to book Namo Bharat tickets alongside their railway reservations. The tickets for these RRTS services can be reserved up to 120 days in advance, aligning with the existing railway reservation window. For those who have already booked a train ticket, an option to add an RRTS ticket will appear if an RRTS station is nearby. Alternatively, passengers can book Namo Bharat tickets separately for same-day travel directly through the IRCTC platform.
The NCRTC is also considering the introduction of unlimited travel passes for the Namo Bharat trains. These passes, which could be valid for one to three days, are intended to enhance tourism and offer greater flexibility for travelers within the Delhi NCR region. This potential development highlights the NCRTC’s commitment to expanding and improving transportation options in the area.
The Namo Bharat RRTS project is a pioneering endeavor designed to provide high-speed, high-capacity commuter services between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. Currently, only the segment between Sahibabad and Modinagar North in Ghaziabad is operational, with the complete corridor expected to be functional by 2025. This ambitious project aims to offer a seamless and efficient travel experience for residents and visitors in the region.
The collaboration between IRCTC and NCRTC is expected to simplify the booking process for passengers by integrating both train and RRTS services on a single platform. After completing a railway ticket booking on IRCTC, users will have the option to book Namo Bharat tickets for up to eight passengers per booking. This feature will be accessible through the booking history and PNR confirmation page, making it easier for travelers to manage their journeys.
Each RRTS ticket will be accompanied by a unique QR code, which will be printed on the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS). This QR code will be valid for four days, including the day before the journey, the day of travel, and two days following. This system is designed to ensure a smooth boarding process at RRTS stations, where passengers can simply scan their QR codes to gain entry.
The fare for Namo Bharat tickets will be collected along with the IRCTC convenience fee of ₹5 plus taxes. Users will receive confirmation via SMS and email, including the QR code details necessary for travel. In the event of a cancellation, the RRTS fare will be fully refunded, though the IRCTC convenience fee and other charges will not be reimbursed.
