Rail Budget 2015: Soon, New Facility to Check Seat Availability on Running Trains

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in his maiden Rail Budget proposed a number of new services to provide more passenger amenities. He said that the Railways will soon introduce a system through which people can check latest berth availability on running trains.

"We will shortly unveil an IT vision for the Railways. Online information on latest berth availability on running trains, an integrated mobile application including station navigation system, etc. will be made available," Mr Prabhu said in his Budget speech.

Mr Prabhu proposed introduction of an SMS alert service to inform passengers in advance the updated arrival/departure time of trains at starting or destination stations. Similarly, SMS alert would be sent 15-30 minutes in advance of arrival of the train at the destination.

In a slew of other passenger-focused facilities, Mr Prabhu also introduced what he called "Operation 5 minutes", where passengers travelling unreserved can purchase a ticket within five minutes.

The minister also said that mobile phone charging facilities would be provided in general class coaches and the number of charging facilities would be increased in sleeper class coaches.

Mr Prabhu also said the advance ticket booking facility will be extended to 120 days, from 60 days, to check the menace of touts.