New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The IRCTC website recorded an impressive 99.98% uptime during the April-October timeframe of this fiscal year, contrasting with 99.86% during the same period in the 2024-25 financial year, as disclosed in Parliament on Wednesday.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that Indian Railways has implemented various administrative and technological measures to modernize their systems.

Among the administrative steps taken are the deactivation of questionable user IDs, filing complaints on the National Cyber Crime Portal for suspiciously booked PNRs, and the revalidation of user IDs.

To enhance system performance, measures such as rigorous checks and validations, collaboration with leading content delivery networks, and the deployment of an advanced anti-BOT application have been introduced to facilitate smooth ticket bookings for legitimate users.

Regular audits by third parties on the IRCTC’s technology infrastructure are conducted to ensure continual improvement. Notably, the segment of e-ticketing has surged to over 87% of all reserved tickets on Indian Railways.

Nonetheless, some complaints regarding transaction failures or slow refund processes are under constant review for prompt resolution, Vaishnaw mentioned.

The IRCTC’s website and mobile applications utilize API-based technology, which requires minimal text-based data exchange between user devices and IRCTC servers, ensuring efficient ticket booking, even in rural regions.

Additionally, advanced Content Delivery Network (CDN) solutions have been implemented to expedite and enhance reliability in delivering static content to users.

Capacity enhancement and technological upgrades are consistently pursued by Indian Railways, depending on available resources and techno-economic viability.

On average, Indian Railways serves approximately 58 crore meals every year.

Vaishnaw noted that only about 0.0008% of complaints are recorded on average. Following inquiries into these complaints, a fine of Rs 2.8 crore has been imposed over the past four years.

He added that Indian Railways is dedicated to providing high-quality and hygienic food to passengers. Numerous measures have been adopted to enhance food standards and services at both trains and stations.

Meals are now sourced from designated base kitchens, with modern kitchens established at key locations. To improve oversight, CCTV cameras are installed in these kitchens. Only recognized and reputable raw materials such as cooking oil, rice, pulses, spices, paneer, and dairy products are utilized in meal preparation.

Food Safety Supervisors are stationed at base kitchens to monitor hygiene practices, while IRCTC supervisors are present on trains to supervise catering services. QR codes have been introduced on food packaging, allowing passengers to verify details such as the kitchen of origin and packaging date.

Routine deep cleaning and pest control measures are implemented in kitchens and pantry areas.

Every catering unit must obtain mandatory FSSAI certification to ensure adherence to food safety regulations. Food samples are regularly tested, and third-party audits are conducted to assess hygiene, food quality, and customer satisfaction, the minister highlighted.