Latest news with #IRCTC-authorised
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Not Only Premium, IRCTC To Soon Offer E-Pantry Option On Mail, Express Trains
Last Updated: E-pantry is currently being piloted on Vivek Express and, based on its success, the service will be extended to more trains across the railways network Passengers on long train journeys often face overcharging and unhygienic meals, but that may soon be a thing of the past. Those travelling on mail and express trains will be able to book a meal at the time of buying the ticket – the same as premium trains. The e-Pantry service by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is being piloted on Vivek Express (22503/04) – India's longest distance covering train. Based on its success, the service will be extended to more trains across the railways network, said an official statement. The service allows passengers on mail and express trains to digitally pre-book standardised meals without hassle, helping address long-standing complaints about overcharging and unauthorised vendors. 'To address these challenges, IRCTC, in consultation with the railways, has launched the e-Pantry service – an innovative, digitally enabled solution for pre-booked meal supply on mail, express trains running with pantry cars," said a statement from the IRCTC on Sunday. The Indian Railways already offers a well-established system for opting for meals on premium trains that can be selected during booking tickets online. There was, however, a demand for a similar system for mail and express trains. According to sources, in the initial phase of launch, the service could cover about 20 to 25 trains in the next couple of months. The service ensures that passengers enjoy a more organised, safe, and digital catering experience, bringing 'peace of mind, hygienic meals, and a better overall travel experience", the statement said. For booking on the service, passengers can select the e-Pantry meal option during the ticketing process on the IRCTC website ( either from the confirmation page or the 'Booked Ticket History' section. After booking, passengers receive a confirmation message and a meal verification code (MVC) via SMS or email. On the day of travel, passengers share the MVC with the vendor, who will then directly deliver the pre-ordered meal to their seat. Listing the benefits of the scheme, the IRCTC said it offers online and digital payment options, eliminating the need for cash transactions during travel. Also, meal prices are fixed and clearly displayed at the time of booking, preventing overcharging by vendors. The option will also control unauthorised vending as only IRCTC-authorised licensees are permitted to deliver pre-booked meals, ensuring quality-assured meals and safety onboard. Additionally, all meal orders are managed through digital dashboards, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and compliance with tax regulations. If a meal is not delivered as booked, passengers are entitled to a refund. Cancellation and refund details will be communicated through email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
RedRail Seat Guarantee: redRail Unveils Revolutionary ‘Seat Guarantee' for Tatkal Tickets with Triple Refund Offer, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App IRCTC-authorised platform redRail has launched a new feature aimed at easing travel uncertainty for Indian rail passengers. The 'Seat Guarantee' scheme offers users a threefold refund if their Tatkal ticket remains unconfirmed, setting a new industry benchmark in rail refund includes a full fare return and twice the ticket amount in voucher form, usable on redRail or redBus. The option is available to users booking waitlisted Tatkal tickets on select trains, with an additional charge over IRCTC's regular Tatkal ticketing is one of the most time-sensitive and stressful processes for Indian rail passengers. With demand often outstripping supply, confirmed bookings are not guaranteed, leaving many travellers without a confirmed seat. According to IRCTC, the e-ticketing platform recorded a peak hourly Tatkal booking figure of 1,85,513 during FY 2023–24, highlighting the volume and competitive nature of such new feature is designed to offer passengers a fallback in case their journey does not materialise due to waitlist issues. The feature has reportedly seen strong uptake in South India, followed by Western regions. It is currently available on select routes and supplements the existing 'Seat Guarantee' for general quota bookings.'Tatkal booking is one of the most stressful moments in an Indian rail traveller's journey. There's a narrow window, limited supply, and low confirmation rates, especially for waitlisted Tatkal tickets,' said Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus. 'We saw that users wanted to book tickets but at times they held back due to uncertainty. That's what prompted us to build 'Seat Guarantee for Tatkal tickets'. It's a tech-led solution designed to unlock trust and confidence in last-minute train travel.'The company said that most users who opted for the feature eventually travelled on confirmed tickets. For those who didn't, the refund credits have enabled quick recovery and alternative arrangements.
