Is Indian Railways Set to Upgrade Its Passenger Reservation System to Handle 100,000 Tickets per Minute?
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Synopsis
Indian Railways is on the brink of a technological leap, with plans to enhance its reservation system to accommodate a staggering 100,000 tickets per minute. Discover how this transformation aims to cater to modern passenger needs and improve travel experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrade to 100,000 tickets per minute.
- Transition from legacy systems to cloud technology.
- New ARP of 60 days effective November 2024.
- Launch of RailOne App for easier ticket booking.
- Increase in non-AC coaches to meet demand.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) Indian Railways is embarking on a significant upgrade of its passenger reservation system, aiming to manage over 100,000 tickets per minute, up from the current capacity of 25,000, as reported by the government.
The overhaul of the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) is being executed through the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). This comprehensive revamp includes the upgrading and replacement of hardware, software, network equipment, security infrastructure, and functionalities, all designed to incorporate new technologies.
Originally launched in 2010, the existing PRS operates on Itanium servers and open VMS (Virtual Memory System). Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in Parliament that the current system necessitates a transition from outdated technology to modern cloud-compliant systems.
As passenger needs and expectations evolve, the enhanced PRS aims to meet these growing demands.
Starting November 1, 2024, the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking reserved train tickets will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days, excluding the date of travel. This adjustment reflects current booking trends and aims to minimize cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, according to the minister.
Recently, the Railways introduced the RailOne App, allowing passengers to book both reserved and unreserved tickets directly from their mobile devices, effectively placing the PRS in their hands.
“The changes in the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP), driven by booking trends and passenger feedback, are part of an ongoing evaluation process. While the current PRS can handle 25,000 tickets per minute, the new system is engineered to accommodate more than four times that capacity,” the minister noted.
Additionally, the proportion of non-AC coaches in Indian Railways trains has risen significantly, now constituting approximately 70 percent. A special manufacturing initiative is underway to produce an extra 17,000 non-AC general and sleeper coaches over the next five years.
Indian Railways is keenly enhancing facilities for passengers opting for general class travel, having utilized 1,250 general coaches across various long-distance trains in the last financial year 2024-25 alone.
Point of View
The revamp of the Indian Railways' passenger reservation system represents a significant step towards modernization. Keeping pace with technology and passenger demands is crucial for enhancing the overall travel experience, ensuring the railways remain a preferred mode of transportation.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new capacity of the Indian Railways reservation system?
The upgraded Indian Railways reservation system will handle over 100,000 tickets per minute.
When will the changes to the Advance Reservation Period take effect?
The new Advance Reservation Period will be implemented starting from November 1, 2024.
What features will the RailOne App offer?
The RailOne App will allow passengers to book both reserved and unreserved tickets directly from their mobile phones.
How many non-AC coaches are being added to the fleet?
Indian Railways plans to produce an additional 17,000 non-AC general and sleeper coaches over the next five years.
What is the current percentage of non-AC coaches in trains?
Currently, non-AC coaches make up about 70 percent of the trains operated by Indian Railways.
