IRCTC Tickets or Indian Railways Catering

Author: frankantire | Posted: 19.06.2012

IRCTC or Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited is the reservation wing of Indian railways. You can use IRCTC websites to book tickets of different trains be it Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Durunto or any other regional express. The tickets process is very simple. You need to register on the IRCTC website to get the process initiated. Once logged in with your account id and password, you can search for trains to the place you want to travel. You have to fill in travel dates, source station and destination. You will be shown a list of trains with their timings. You can check fare and availability by choosing the train of your choice. You also need to choose class- 1 AC, 2 AC, 3 AC, sleeper etc.

There are two ways to book tickets through IRCTC website:

I-Ticket: This method is the usual method. You make the payment and the tickets will be sent to your shipping address within 2-3 working days. However you need to book these tickets a few days prior to travel to ensure enough time for delivery of tickets. You can get e-ticket at any status- be it confirmed, reservation against cancellation (RAC) or waiting list.

E-Ticket: These tickets can be booked until the last moment, just before the charts are prepared for the train. You will have to take the print out of the ticket before boarding the train. Also ensure that you carry proper identification papers as it is required by the authorities. These tickets can be reserved only if the ticket is confirmed or is in reservation against cancellation. If you have availed senior citizen discount, also carry age proof paper with you.

Cancellation:

I-Ticket: You can cancel these tickets by visiting any computerized reservation counter. In these cases, there is no cash refund. The refund amount after necessary cancellation charges are deducted is electronically credited to your account. I-tickets can be cancelled even after departure of the train.

E-Tickets: These tickets can only be cancelled online and before the chart preparation. Cancellation through railway counters is not permitted. You need to log in your account and choose the tickets to be cancelled. You have the option to make full cancellation or partial cancellation as per your requirements. You might have to cancel all passenger tickets if identity card holder ticket is cancelled. The refund will be electronically transferred to your account. Changes in e-tickets is not allowed.

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