How Railway Reservation System Works
Railway is an important mode of transport in many countries, and with the advancements in technology, the railway reservation system has made it easier for people to book their tickets without any hassle. The Indian Railways is the largest rail network in the world and has been operating for over 150 years. The railway reservation system in India was introduced in the 1980s, and since then, it has undergone significant changes, making the process of booking a ticket much more efficient.In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how the railway reservation system works, and the different components involved in the process.
The Components of Railway Reservation System
There are primarily four components involved in the railway reservation system:
1. Passenger Reservation System (PRS)
The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) is the backbone of the railway reservation system. It is a computerized system that handles the reservation of tickets, cancellation, and modifications. The system is designed to ensure that the railway staff can view the availability of seats in real-time, and it relies on a central database for ticketing.
2. Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS)
The Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) is for passengers who do not have a reserved seat on the train. The system allows passengers to buy an unreserved ticket for a particular train and travel to their destination without a reserved seat. This system is commonly used by daily commuters and short-distance travelers.
3. Computerized Reservation Office (CRS)
A Computerized Reservation Office (CRS) is a place where passengers can book their tickets using a computerized system. These offices are available in most of the major cities, and passengers can visit these offices to book their tickets, cancel or modify a reservation.
4. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways that deals with the online ticket booking, catering, and tourism services. The IRCTC website allows passengers to book their tickets online and has become the most popular mode of booking for long-distance travelers.
The Process of Railway Reservation System
The process of railway reservation system is straightforward, and it involves the following steps:
Step 1: Plan Your Journey
The first step in the railway reservation system is to plan your journey. You need to decide on the date of the journey, the destination, and the type of train you would like to travel on. It is essential to know the train’s number, class, and the number of passengers traveling to book your tickets.
Step 2: Check Availability
Once you have decided on your journey, you need to check the availability of seats on the train of your choice. The availability of seats can be checked on the IRCTC website or by visiting the Computerized Reservation Office (CRS). The reservation system shows the availability of seats in real-time, making it easier for passengers to book their tickets.
Step 3: Book Your Ticket
After checking the availability of seats, you can proceed to book your ticket. You can do this by visiting the Computerized Reservation Office (CRS), booking your ticket online through the IRCTC website, or by using the PRS system.
Step 4: Make Payment
Once you have booked your ticket, you need to make the payment. There are multiple payment methods available, including net banking, debit and credit card, and e-wallets. After making the payment, you will be issued a ticket that you need to carry with you during your journey.
Step 5: Collect Your Ticket
If you have booked your ticket online or through the PRS system, you need to collect your ticket from the designated counter at the station. You need to carry a valid ID proof, along with a copy of the ticket, to collect your ticket.
Step 6: Board the Train
Once you have collected your ticket, you can board the train at the designated time and coach number mentioned on the ticket.
The Bottom Line
The railway reservation system has made it easier for passengers to book their tickets without any hassle. The system has undergone significant changes over the years, making it more efficient and user-friendly. By following these simple steps, passengers can book their tickets and travel effortlessly on the Indian Railways.