Centre for Railway Information Systems Launches New Enhanced Interface for Train Enquiry.

   Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), the IT wing of Indian Railways, has developed an enhanced new interface for the www.trainenquiry.comfor dissemination of information to public. National Train Enquiry System (NTES) developed by CRIS is the backend system which collects information about train running on near real time basis and disseminates information through various interfaces like nationwide unique number 139, Website (www.trainenquiry.com), face to face enquiry, mobile interfaces etc. The new interface is accessible through www.trainenquiry.com or www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in.

   The new interface for the website was made public for past one week as field trial to get users’ feedback. The new interface, which offers quick and easy access to essential information for passengers, has been largely appreciated for its speed, simple interface and richness of information and smooth user experience. This new interface has been launched with effect from 6th September 2013.

Ticketing Through Non-Internet Based Mobile Phones.

   A pilot project of ticketing through non-internet based mobile phones has been launched by IRCTC on 1st July 2013.  The salient features of the scheme are as follows:-

·        There is no need of internet at any stage, viz. booking, payment, cancellation etc.

·        The user gets ticket details Short Messaging Service (SMS) instantly.

·        SMS along with Photo Identity Card in original can be used to travel, no printout of the ticket is required.
 
          The steps taken to popularize the booking of tickets through non-internet based mobile phones through SMS mode are as follows:

Time limit for Advance Reservation by train reduced to 60 Days with effect from 01-05-2013.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No.2007/TG-I/20/P/ARP

New Delhi, dated 25.04.2013

The Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways.

(COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR NO.34 OF 2013)

Sub: Time limit for Advance Reservation.

   It has been decided that w.e.f. 01.05.2013, the existing time limit for advance reservations by trains will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey) as mentioned below:-

   i. With effect from 01.05.2013, the ARP will be of 60 days (excluding the day of journey) and bookings will be done accordingly. However, all the bookings done upto 30.04.2013 under the ARP of 120 days will remain intact.

   ii. Cancellations of the booking made beyond the ARP of 60 days will, however, be permitted.

   iii. There will be no change in the case of certain day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express, etc. where lower time limits for advance reservations are at present in force.

   iv. There will also be no change in the case of limit of 360 days for Foreign Tourists.

   2. Wide publicity through all possible means may be given for information of general public.

Sd/-
(Dr. S.K. Ahirwar)
Director Traffic Commercial (G)
Railway Board

Source: NFIR

Procedure Order for Implementing Service Tax Refunds on Passenger Fare Tickets Booked and Cancelled on or after 01.10.2012.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

No.TCII/2910/2012/Service Tax

New Delhi dt. 29.09.2012

Commercial Circular No. 60 of 2012

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways

Subject: Procedure Order for Implementing Service Tax Refunds on Passenger Fare Tickets Booked and Cancelled on or after 01.10.2012.

   This refers to Commercial Circular No.59 of 2012 on the levy of service tax on transportation of passengers by Rail in Air-conditioned classes and 1 AC Class. The following has been stated therein: