IRCTC Launches Beta Version of Revamped Ticket Booking Website After 20 Years

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched the beta version of its redesigned ticket booking website, the first major overhaul of the platform in over two decades. The Ministry of Railways announced the launch on Wednesday.

The new portal is now accessible to users, who can explore its updated interface and provide feedback before the final version is released in the coming weeks. A dedicated link on the existing IRCTC website directs users to the beta version.

The redesign is part of the Railways' broader effort to modernise its digital ticketing infrastructure and enhance the passenger booking experience. According to the ministry, the changes were influenced by suggestions from students of Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), who interacted with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and shared input on improving user-friendliness. Several of their recommendations were incorporated into the new platform.

Originally launched in 2002, the IRCTC website handles an average of around 14.5 lakh (1.45 million) ticket bookings daily. The beta version introduces a cleaner interface, simplified navigation, and a more streamlined booking process. Notable improvements include the removal of unnecessary captchas, pop-ups, flashing graphics, and other distracting elements.

Seat availability is now displayed across all travel classes, allowing passengers to compare options more easily. The booking process has been shortened by reducing the number of checkout steps, while saved passenger details expedite repeat bookings.

The ministry stated that the beta launch aims to gather user feedback, which will be used to refine the platform before the final release. Additional improvements suggested during the trial phase will be incorporated in future updates. The revamped website will also be integrated with the new Passenger Reservation Engine (PRS), which is currently being upgraded in parallel. The ministry noted that the new reservation engine, which powers train bookings across multiple applications, required extensive redevelopment while ensuring uninterrupted services. The fully integrated new IRCTC portal, along with the upgraded reservation engine, is expected to be rolled out in the next few weeks.