
The festive season in india is upon us, and for many, it’s the time to head back home to celebrate with family. Whether it’s Chhath Puja, Diwali, or Navratri, the rush to travel can make train bookings an overwhelming experience, especially with long queues and sold-out tickets. But don’t worry, there's a simple solution: book your general tickets directly from your mobile phone and save yourself the hassle.
Here’s how you can book general train tickets for festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja without the stress of waiting in long queues:
1. Use the irctc mobile App for Quick Booking
The IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) mobile app is a game-changer for booking train tickets. You can easily access it on both Android and iOS devices. Follow these simple steps:
1. Download the irctc App: Head to google Play Store (for Android) or apple App Store (for iOS) and search for "IRCTC rail Connect." Download and install the app.
2. Sign In or Register: If you already have an irctc account, just sign in using your credentials. If you’re new, create a free account.
3. Search for Trains: Enter your departure and arrival station, travel date, and class (in this case, select General if you don’t want to opt for a premium ticket).
4. Select train and Seat Availability: The app will show you a list of available trains, departure times, and available seats. Select the train that suits your schedule.
5. Book the Ticket: Once you've chosen your train, proceed to payment. You can pay via UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or even Wallets like paytm or google Pay.
6. Get Your Ticket: After successful payment, your ticket will be e-ticket format, and you’ll receive an SMS and email with your booking details. No need to stand in long queues for a print-out.
2. Use the Railway Ticket Booking Website: www.irctc.co.in
You can also book your train tickets via the IRCTC official website, which is great for people who prefer using a browser over an app:
1. Visit the Official Website: Go to www.irctc.co.in on your mobile browser.
2. Log In or Register: Use your irctc credentials to log in. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to register.
3. Search and Select Train: Enter the stations, date, and choose General Quota. The website will list available trains and their timings.
4. Proceed with Booking: Once you find a suitable train, confirm the details and make your payment.
5. Ticket Confirmation: After payment, you’ll receive a digital ticket that you can either carry on your phone or print.
3. Book via SMS (For Basic Feature phone Users)
For those who don’t have a smartphone or prefer using a basic phone, you can also book general train tickets through SMS:
1. Send an SMS to 139 with the text format: BOOK
2. Confirmation SMS: You’ll receive an SMS with your booking details and a unique PNR number.
4. Benefits of mobile Booking Over Standing in Line
· Skip Long Queues: During the festival season, station ticket counters are often packed with long lines. With mobile booking, you can skip the hassle and book tickets from the comfort of your home or anywhere.
· Instant Confirmation: mobile bookings provide instant confirmation, meaning you don’t have to worry about last-minute ticket availability.
· Easy Payment Options: With mobile booking, you can use a variety of payment options like UPI, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets, making payment hassle-free.
· E-Ticketing: You can carry an e-ticket (no need to print) and show it directly on your mobile phone to conduct a smooth, quick check-in at the station.
5. Booking on paytm and Other Third-Party Apps
If you prefer third-party apps, Paytm is a popular platform for booking general tickets. Here’s how:
1. Download Paytm (if you don’t have it already).
2. Open the App and Go to train Tickets: Select "Train Tickets" and enter your journey details.
3. Choose General Quota: Make sure to select "General" as the class and "General Quota" for booking.
4. Pay and Confirm: After selecting the train, confirm your payment, and you’ll receive your booking details on your phone.
6. Advantages of Booking Tickets Early
Since trains are likely to get crowded during the festival season, especially during Diwali and Chhath Puja, it’s advisable to:
· Book Early: Book your tickets as soon as possible to avoid the last-minute rush.
· Choose the Right Time: Try to travel during off-peak hours or days when fewer people travel.
· Flexible Dates: If possible, consider traveling on slightly flexible dates to secure a confirmed seat.
Conclusion: Stress-Free Travel This festival Season
Booking your general train tickets on your mobile phone has never been easier. Whether you use the IRCTC app, the official website, or third-party apps like Paytm, you can book tickets on the go without waiting in long queues. This festive season, enjoy a hassle-free travel experience, so you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.