Now, booking a coach or train just a click away

HERE is a good news for people having marriage or any other family function as Railways has introduced Full Tariff Rate (FTR) under which one can book the entire coach or train by paying a certain amount. Though the facility of booking a train or coach was already available but the process was tough and one required to contact IRCTC office for the same. Now, Railways has simplified the process and now it is possible online. Even payment can be done online. To avail the facility, one can book the coach or train from IRCTC website or contact IRCTC office.

Entire payment for the booking can be done online. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Bhopal Railway officials said on an average every year one dozen trains get booked only from Bhopal. Besides, more than 100 coaches get booked by people in several trains throughout the year. Public Relation Officer (PRO), Bhopal division, I A Siddique, said, “Railway Board has started the facility for passengers. It will be helpful for people having any family function or get-together. Railways is continuously working to provide excellent facilities to people in best possible manner.”

A charge of 5 per cent on total fare will be levied over and 35 to 40 per cent security deposit will be mandatory. Security deposit is refundable and after the journey, the amount gets automatically credited into the beneficiary’s account. The additional amount charged by railway includes service tax, GST and other taxes. If a person cancels booking fair amount gets remitted by deducting the taxes. Railway officials said that a person who wants to book the entire coach or train need to make his ID on IRCTC site for which PAN and Aadhar details are mandatory.

After registering, verification is done through one time password on registered mobile number. Under this scheme, Railway provides reserved coach ranges from first AC, second AC (day tier), second AC (second sitting), third AC (three tier), AC chair car, exclusive chair car, SA, HB, second class general, pantry car, non AC salon, AC salon, sleeper, SLR, high capacity personal van, general etc. To book a train, number of coaches is fixed from 18 to 24 and three SLR coach is mandatory. If someone is booking less than 18 coaches, security deposit amount will be the same as 18 coaches. FTR registration can be done maximum of six months in advance and minimum one month prior to the journey. Booking can be cancelled maximum two days before departure of the train. Maximum stoppage of any train at particular station will be for 10 minutes and two sleeper coaches are mandatory in each train.