The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday launched the beta version of the revamped IRCTC website, introducing a redesigned interface and simplified ticket booking process aimed at improving user experience.
The beta portal went live at 9 pm and is accessible through the existing IRCTC website. Users have been invited to explore the new platform and share feedback before the full rollout.
According to the ministry, the redesigned website incorporates suggestions from students of the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, who interacted with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and proposed improvements to the portal’s design and usability.
The IRCTC website, first launched in 2002, currently handles an average of around 14.5 lakh ticket bookings every day. The new version introduces a cleaner interface and a more streamlined booking experience.
The four key improvements include:
-Elimination of unnecessary captchas, pop-ups, flashing graphics and other distracting elements.
-Seat availability displayed across all travel classes on a single screen.
-A faster checkout process with fewer booking steps.
-Saved passenger details to make repeat bookings quicker and more convenient.
The ministry said the beta launch is intended to gather user feedback, which will be incorporated into future updates before the website is fully rolled out.
The revamped website will also be integrated with the upcoming Passenger Reservation Engine (PRE), which is currently being upgraded. The fully functional portal is expected to be available in the coming weeks once the new reservation engine is ready.
Railways said the Passenger Reservation Engine, which powers multiple train booking platforms, has been undergoing a major overhaul while continuing to support regular booking operations.
Users have been encouraged to share their suggestions and feedback to help further improve the IRCTC website before its final launch.
