E-booking facility for scribes

Accredited journalists will soon be able book tickets online to avail the rail travel concessions enjoyed by them.

The decision to offer this e-ticketing facility for PIB-accredited journalists was made in the Rail Budget.

E-booking of tickets on the concessional passes for journalists will be introduced, he said. The Press Information Bureau-accredited scribes avail discount in rail travel, which can be availed only by booking tickets from a railway counter.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu also spoke of opening e-ticketing facility for foreign tourists and NRIs using foreign debit or credit cards in the next three months.

The ‘Vikalp’ (Alternative Train Accommodation System) scheme introduced in October 2015 will be expanded to provide choice accommodation in specific trains to wait-listed passengers.Prabhu also proposed a new process for cancellation of tickets through the 139 helpline post verification using, ‘One Time Password’ sent on registered phone number. Barcoded tickets, scanners and access control will be introduced on a pilot basis on major stations to tackle the menace of ticketless travel and ensure hassle-free travel for passengers.The minister said Railways intends to commence sale of tickets through hand-held terminals for the benefit of the suburban and short-distance travelers. He also said that railways intends initiating sale of platform tickets through ticket-vending machines.