Tech Beetle briefing IN AI

लॉन्च होने जा रहा IRCTC वेबसाइट का नया वर्जन, टिकट बुकिंग होगी पहले से बेहद आसान, जानें क्या-क्या बदलेगा

Essential brief

The Indian Railways is set to launch a new version of the IRCTC website aimed at making ticket booking faster and more convenient. The upgraded platform will significantly increase booking and enqu

Key topics

Indian Railways IRCTC Passenger Reservation System Ministry Railways Malaviya National Institute MNIT Jaipur.

Key facts

IRCTC website’s ticket booking capacity increased from 32,000 to 150,000 tickets per minute.

PNR and train enquiry capacity boosted from 400,000 to over 4 million enquiries per minute.

New website offers faster loading, smoother navigation, and a clutter-free interface.

Integration with upgraded PRS system and multi-language support enhances accessibility.

Highlights

Beta version of new IRCTC website tested with MNIT Jaipur students in July 2026.

New platform removes unnecessary captchas and pop-ups to speed up booking.

Customers can select preferred seats/berths and compare fares across dates.

PRS system upgrade planned to start in August 2026, replacing a 40-year-old system.

Online ticket booking accounts for about 88% of train ticket demand in India as of 2026.

Why it matters

The launch of the new IRCTC website and the upgrade of the Passenger Reservation System represent a major technological advancement for Indian Railways. These improvements will enable the system to handle significantly higher traffic, reduce booking times, and provide a more user-friendly experience. This modernization is crucial for meeting the growing demand for online ticketing and enhancing accessibility for all passengers.

The Indian Railways is preparing to launch a new version of the IRCTC website to enhance the ticket booking process for passengers. The Ministry of Railways plans to introduce this upgraded platform soon, following a beta version presentation to students at the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT) in Jaipur. The beta testing involved gathering user feedback to refine the website before its official release.

The new IRCTC website will be integrated with the upgraded Passenger Reservation System (PRS), which is also undergoing modernization. This integration aims to provide a seamless and efficient booking experience. The PRS upgrade is scheduled to begin in August, replacing the nearly 40-year-old system with modern technology.

Key improvements include a substantial increase in ticket booking capacity from 32,000 to 150,000 tickets per minute and an increase in PNR and train enquiry capacity from 400,000 to over 4 million enquiries per minute. The website will feature faster page loading, smoother navigation, and a clutter-free interface designed to improve user experience, especially during peak booking times.

Additional enhancements include the removal of unnecessary captchas and pop-ups, the option for customers to select preferred seats or berths, and detailed fare comparisons across different dates. The platform will support multiple languages and integrate services for differently-abled individuals, students, and patients on a single platform. These features are also planned to be available on the RailOne app.

Since the launch of online ticket booking in 2002, approximately 88% of train ticket demand in India is fulfilled through online channels. The upgrade of the reservation system is a complex process, as continuous service must be maintained during the transition. The new PRS engine and IRCTC website are expected to handle ten times the current traffic, marking a significant step forward in Indian Railways’ digital services.

Key topics in this update include Indian Railways, IRCTC, and Passenger Reservation System.