How can i do SMS based Mobile Bookings ?

IRCTC Launches SMS based Mobile Bookings

Railway e-ticket now on mobile

  • IRCTC introduces for the first time a non-internet based ticketing system that will empower masses even in remote areas to use the omnipresent mobile device to make reservations.
  • Millions of rail travellers can now use their mobile phones to book tickets in a simple, convenient and secured manner.
  • It uses simple SMS or menu-based USSD technology which works on all mobile phones and involves no internet and costs very little.
  • The services can be currently availed by IRCTC registered users only.

Advantages of booking IRCTC tickets via mobile

  • No need to stand in long queues or log onto the internet.
  • Simple, reliable and secured.
  • Accessible to any mobile user.
  • Very little charges for accessing the service.
  • Works on all handsets.
  • Simple user guided menu – book tickets, search for stations, trains, availability.

1. USSD based booking through Airtel*

Registration

  • Register for Airtel money by dialing USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) number *400#.
  • Load cash on this or recharge from any Airtel money outlet.

Booking Flow

  • Dial *400# and select book tickets option.
  • Select Reservation.
  • Enter your IRCTC User ID.
  • Enter the details of ticket (station, train no. date of journey, class etc.).
  • Enter mPIN for authorizing payment through Airtel money.
  • Booking confirmation SMS is sent by IRCTC and same can be used during journey along with valid ID proof..
  • Fare & service charges are debited from your Airtel money account.
  • PG Charges: Currently NIL
  • Agent Service Charges: Currently NIL
  • Helpline No.: 121
  • Helpline Email : 121@airtelmoney.in

2. SMS based booking through 139*

Registration

  • Register your mobile number with IRCTC as well as with your bank.
  • Bank provides MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) & OTP (One Time Password) through IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) option.
  • More than 25 banks are providing IMPS facility. For generating MMID & OTP, visit website: http://www.npci.org.in/impsmerpay10.aspx.)

Booking Flow

  • Generate OTP through your Bank for authorization of payment.
  • Send SMS, in the following syntax, to 139 BOOK <TrainNo><FromStn.Code><ToStn.Code> <TravelDate (DDMM)><Class><Passenger-Name><Age><M/F>
  • You will receive Transaction ID alongwith other details.
  • Make payment through sending an SMS, in the following syntax, to 139 PAY <Transaction ID as received><IMPS><Your MMID as received from the bank><OTP, your one time password as received from the bank for this transaction><IRCTCUserID> and your ticket is booked; confirmation SMS is received on your mobile and same can be used during journey along with valid ID proof.
  • Service is available to all mobile subscribers.
  • SMSes @ Rs 3/- per SMS (2 SMSes are required for each booking).
  • PG charges Rs 5/- for ticket amount < Rs 5000/ and Rs 10/- for ticket amount >= Rs 5000/- (as applicable by bank).
  • Agent Service Charges: NIL
  • Helpline No.: 139

4. SMS based booking through BSNL*

User should have the following:

  • 1. BSNL SIM card installed.
  • 2. Java enabled mobile phone.
  • 3. Andhra Bank Prepaid card.
  • This is a menu driven application where user has to enter the details asked for in simple step-by-step process to get the ticket.

Registration

  • Install the application.
  • Select the Register option to get the mPIN.

Booking

  • Click the icon BSNL Prepaid Card
  • Select Ticketing > Train (IRCTC)
  • Fill up the journey details such as From stn, To Stn, Train No, DOJ, Class, Quota, passenger details.
  • Enter the mPIN to get the ticket information.
  • SMSes: without charges.
  • PG Charges: Currently NIL
  • Agent Service Charges: As applicable.