The Hindu Business Line : Now, book train tickets thru mobile

SUBSCRIBERS of Hutch and Reliance in Delhi and National Capital Region can now use their cell phones to get their train tickets booked and delivered, provided they have credit cards.

However, while only those Reliance subscribers who use colour handsets can avail themselves of this service as of now, Hutch subscribers have to shell out Rs 6 for every minute they use while booking their tickets on the service. The procedure on the Hutch phone takes an average of four and half minutes per user, said an official. Reliance is offering the service free of charge till the end of this month.

The charges paid to telecom companies exclude the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) service charges of Rs 40 and Rs 60 for sleeper class and Air Conditioned (AC) class tickets respectively. At present IRCTC provides Railway ticket booking and delivery services through the Internet.

IRCTC has now developed a system by which mobile service operators can access IRCTC rail reservation services. "We have invited all telecom operators to use this system and provide the service. They can provide the service for their cell phone and fixed line users," said IRCTC Chairman Mr M.N. Chopra.

In terms of usage, Reliance subscribers can use this service through a Java-based "menu-driven navigation" on the phone, according to Reliance officials. Hutch subscribers can book their tickets by using a combination of voice commands and keying in some details.

The Union Railway Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad, inaugurated the service. The facility will be extended to 120 cities across the country subsequently. Other mobile operators are expected to join soon.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Lalu said that with the expansion of high-tech rail reservations, about 9,000 rail travel agents all over the country would be dispensed with to save the Railways from the menace of touting in the purchase of tickets, pick pockets, etc.

Additionally, he said that the Government is considering introduction of "credit card based purchase of ticket for the common man so that on that basis the ticket could be purchased and the remaining amount in the card be adjusted while purchasing ticket later".

Speaking of commercial utilisation of unutilised railway lands in prime city centres, the Minister said that the matter was under the active consideration of the Government to mop up additional revenues in consultation with the State Governments.