Railways to launch ticket booking through non-internet based mobile phones

The salient features of this new scheme to be operationalised are:

There will be a dedicated number on which SMS can be sent.

No need of internet at any stage viz. booking, payment, cancellation etc.

One has to register the mobile number with IRCTC as well as one’s bank. The Bank (one time password) for authorization of payment.

The passenger has to type the train number, destination, journey date, class and passenger details like name, age and gender on the SMS box.

The sender will receive transaction ID and then make payment through sending another SMS by typing PAY followed by the transaction ID, MMID as received from the bank and password.

On successful booking of ticket, message will be sent to the user by IRCTC which will suffice as valid authority to travel along with photo ID card in original.

Cancellation of tickets can also be done through the cancellation option available.

The scheme will be on pilot basis and will not be available during the 8 am – 12 pm for booking ARP/Tatkal/General tickets. (ANI)