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In a move to introduce next generation ticketing services, Railways Minster Mallikarjun Kharge today launched an SMS-based pilot project.
The efforts to modernize the e-ticketing comes at a time when the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) is marred by slow website, touts and long queues at the booking counter.
In the initial phase, all mobile users can access the services, irrespective of their operators. Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has tied up with 25 banks for payment services.
About 800 million mobile users in the country will have access to this service. Kharge said, “this service will be very helpful for migrants who travel to their cities and we can reach people who cannot afford smart-phones and internet”.
This service is currently only available in English and expected to be available in Hindi and other languages.
