SMS alerts from railways to wait-listed passengers: Mallikarjun Kharge

Giving importance to the role of information technology in rail operation, Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday spelt out a series of steps including SMS alert and online booking of meals in trains in the interim Rail Budget 2014-15.

“IT has revolutionised our customer interface over the last few years. We intend to continue the process,” he said in the Lok Sabha.

He announced several initiatives such as proliferation of cash accepting Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and ticketing on mobile phones in the unreserved segment.

As per the budget proposal, waitlisted passengers will get automatic PNR status update once their tickets get confirmed.

Train running information system will be installed at rail premises to facilitate dissemination of information about trains on real time basis.

Online booking of meals on trains for selected enroute stations and introduction of electronic transmission of railway receipts for freight customers has been ensured.

Mr. Kharge also announced computerisation of claims settlement process.