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| Reservation chart on coaches |
Introduction
On successful experiment by SWR (south western railway) one of zone of Indian railway , the Indian Railways have decided to discontinue the age-old practice of pasting reservation charts on train coaches at several prominent stations, including New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Bombay Central, Chennai Central, Howrah, and Sealdah. This experiment was conducted over a three-month period to gauge its feasibility and impact. The positive feedback received from various Zonal Railways led to a significant decision.
Starting from the 1st of March 2018, a pilot project was launched to discontinue the practice of pasting reservation charts on reserved coaches at all former A1, A, and B category stations for a duration of six months.
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Why Pasting chart on coaches discontinued??
The primary reasons behind this change is as follows:
Increased Ticket Clarity: Passengers holding confirmed tickets already have access to their coach and berth numbers, which are clearly indicated on their tickets at the time of booking. The exception to this is the First Class air-conditioned class.
Digital Ticketing Dominance: Currently, approximately 65% of reserved tickets are booked through the internet, capturing the passenger's mobile number during booking. This ensures they receive an SMS with their status update.
Timely Status Updates: Waitlisted and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) passengers receive real-time status updates via SMS on their registered mobile numbers, well in advance of the train's scheduled departure.
Digital Systems Implementation: Digital charting systems have been installed at major railway stations, and manual boards are placed at other stations to display the status of waitlisted tickets, aiding passengers in making informed decisions.
Accessible Information: Passengers can check their reservation status through various channels, including Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) via 139 and the online booking website, ensuring real-time access to ticket information.
Cost Efficiency: Eliminating the need to print and paste reservation charts on coaches results in significant savings in stationery costs and reduces the manpower required for this task.
Environmental Concerns: As the world grapples with environmental issues, reducing paper usage has become a priority. By discontinuing physical reservation charts, the Indian Railways contributes to sustainability efforts. The Way Forward The discontinuation of physical reservation charts is part of a broader digital transformation initiative by the Indian Railways.
In light of these compelling reasons, passengers no longer need to rely on reservation charts displayed on the coaches to check their status. Reservation charts continue to be available on station platforms (A1, A and B class station) , ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including senior citizens, who prefer to view them in the traditional chart format or digitally.
FAQ
Q.Can I still check my reservation status on the station board?
Yes, digital screens at railway stations display reservation details, making it easy for passengers without smartphones.
Q. What happens if I miss my train due to a late booking update?
A. Passengers are advised to check their reservation status before heading to the station to avoid such situations.
Q. Is this system applicable to all trains in India?
A.Yes, the discontinuation of physical reservation charts applies to all Indian Railways trains.
