Now you can check status of trains on WhatsApp!
What's the story
Taking its passenger services up a notch, Indian Railways has partnered with MakeMyTrip to bring to you the latest status of running trains.
All you need to do is send the train number you want to know the status of to their official number.
Currently, people have to call 139 to know status.
The Railways has improved its online services drastically in recent times.
Information
Here's how the new facility works
To get a train's latest status on WhatsApp, you have to save the number +91 73493 89104 (MakeMyTrip) on your phone. Then simply send the train number to this number. Once the message is delivered, you should receive a reply within 10 seconds in most cases.
Tool
You can check possibility of getting confirmed tickets during booking
In May, the Railways launched the 'wait-list prediction' tool to let you know at the time of booking itself your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
For the first time, the Railways is mining its "own data of passenger operations and booking patterns," a senior official said.
If you got waitlisted tickets, you can opt for five alternate trains under the Vikalp scheme.
Information
You can also transfer your ticket to another
In March, Railways announced it would allow those with confirmed tickets to transfer their seat to someone else. However, the facility is conditional. Transfer request will be granted only once, Railways said. The chief reservation supervisor is in charge of allowing ticket transfer.
Changes
A host of other changes for user-friendly experience
Among other changes, you can now check availability of berths on IRCTC without logging in.
The booking process has been made easier with new filters like departure/arrival time, class, train and quota.
You can now save as many as six 'preferred banks' for quick payment.
Under 'My Transactions,' you can view booked tickets based on various parameters, like booking date and journey date.