It has been 11 years and a few months since the IRCTC, a Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Railways, witnessed nascence. In this span of time, it carved a niche in the railways sector, promoting rail tourism within the country including upgrading, professionalizing and managing the catering and hospitality services relating railways. IRCTC has also expanded its operations with the development of budget hotels, introduction of special tour packages in addition to serving as a tourism information platform. Railway booking earlier involved hassles engaging travelers stand in long queues to get tickets. Today, with online railway booking facilitated at the IRCTC official website, Indian Railways has emerged as the people's railways. You can also get railway booking done via travel agents and at travel portals.
Food Plazas on railway promises are also operational under the IRCTC banner. It is no surprise if you find Board Catering Services in the super fast and express trains, static catering units, renovation rooms, AVMs, Milk Stalls, Ice Cream Stalls, Book Stalls, Petha & Peda Stalls, etc. being run by IRCTC in railway concessions.
Indian Railways, the promoter of IRCTC happens to be the fourth largest railway network in the world after the USA, Russia, and China. Unlike airways and roadways railway network covers the length and breadth of the country covering the most interior of villas and hilly terrains. And journey by train is highly exciting, exhilarating, and comfortable; the effort is further rewarded if the train passes through scenic landscapes.
Indian Railways happens to carry over 20 million passengers and 2 million tons of freight daily across its network! Why wait when you can get the railway booking done for your desired destination right from the comfort of your space. Do go for early reservations for confirmed seats. For current bookings, you may opt for the 'tatkal' service, but there is no guarantee that you get a confirmed railway booking in 'tatkal'. With airlines and hotels, the earlier you book, the greater you save. But with Indian Railways, this is not the case. It is the confirmation of seats that matters.
