Knowing the Indian Train

Blitzen

So, I *think* I just managed to book us tickets from Mumbai to Madgaon in early November. It all seemed a little too easy though... and now I've just read reference on IM to "making sure you get your passport number right when you book." I was never asked to give our passport numbers and never saw a field requesting that info. Have I messed up or is a passport number no longer required?

Nick-H

There was never any need to give a passport number specifically, but there was a need to give ID details. I think that may have changed since the last time I booked a train, which is just over a year ago.

When all goes roght, and there are no system errors, or cedit card problems, it is a very easy process. You should have a ticket printed out. You should have a PNR reference number. You should be able to see your booking on the bookings section of the site when you log in. You should also get an e-mail confirmation.

sumit99

Tourist season in Goa starts by November. Its better to book your ticket in advance..Which website are you looking at to book your rail tickets? http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ is the official website to book a ticket and http://www.irctc.co.in/ for internet booking. While booking online if you find a field to enter your passport number then you will have to enter it. On board ticket checker look at the identity to make sure same person is travelling whose name is mentioned on the ticket. If you have already booked your ticket and you have received an electronic ticket then don't worry just show your passport on board. Cheers

arunganpath

The latter is correct. From somewhere in October 2008, the rule of giving a valid ID (passport / driving licence / PAN card) of the first passenger while booking was done away with. However, you need to carry any one identity of yours (being a person from outside India, always better to carry the passport) to be shown to the ticket examiner during the journey.

Blitzen

Great; thank you so much for the advice and reassurance! That is a relief.

indracal

That may seem a little confusing, trying to clarify for other less-initiated members. Indian Railway has a subsidiary named Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corp Ltd (IRCTC). This body manages the e-ticketing through the site www.irctc.co.in. For other purposes (information, Railway official communications, PNR Status check, availability check etc) you may use http://www.indianrail.gov.in.

Now a days, private businesses (like www.makemytrip.com, www.cleartrip.com, www.yatra.com) have become authorised agents of IRCTC and sells e-tickets too. They charge a certain amount over the IRCTC prices. However, I have personally never used their service, so can't comment.

As far as IDs are concerned, at least one member of the group must carry a valid Photo identity card. For foreign tourists, passport serves the purpose. Indians can carry driving license, Income Tax PAN card, Voter Identity card etc.

By the above I do not mean to say that foreign tourists can't use their non-Indian driving license or some other photo identity card. The idea is passport would always be handy to them, and is a common ID doc.

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machadinha

It's a good explanation, Indra And the passport thing always strikes me as a little moot anyway, yes: I can't think of too many reasons for a foreign visitor to not be traveling around with their passport (preferably tucked away in a safe place like the wise person you are) anyway.

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indracal

Tks Mchdn! (and now running away from Mods)...


I've actually missed to add one more point there:

Initially when e-ticketing was started by IRCTC, the customer had to provide ID card details for one traveller and the ID# while buying the ticket. So, many of the initial posts may refer to some ID card # and carrying it while travelling, changin the primary traveller etc.

Now that requirement has been done away with. As long as ANY member of the travelling party carries a valid ID doc, that's fine by IR.

So I guess, that limits the choice for foreign tourists to passport only, but is very handy for them anyway (so a non-issue).

gouthami11

Excellent article - I will bookmark it and share it with travellers.

Just an update - Tatkal time has been reduced to two days now.

Gouthami

GP&D

What a brilliant piece. Thank you so much for putting all that info at our disposal. We've had some experience on Indian trains, but we (Mum, Dad, 9-year-old daughter) are about to go on a 6 month odyssey round India and I will DEFINITELY be printing this article out.

Thanks again, v kind of you to go to all that effort.

G.

pootros

THis has helped so much, thanks Beach. Also made me laugh - I needed the warning about the hand reaching out to straighten the paper - might possibly have overreacted otherwise!!

P

Catwin

Hi,

We are getting the 6.30am train from Hospet to Madgaon. This is not the start of the train's journey. When we get on the train, will people still be asleep in their berths, or will people be sitting up, or does it vary?
Our seats are in 3A and we have one LB, one MB and two UB.
Might we get on and find someone asleep in our LB?!
Thanks, Catwin

steven_ber

What berth numbers? (Same carriage? - B1, B2 etc)

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windrider24584

I don't think there will be any problem in 3A. Still if you find any one is sleeping on your berth, request him showing your tickets.You can always seek help from the attendant of the compartment.When you have the entire one side UB, MB, LB it would be easier for you.It will be upto you to decide what will you do with the MB at 6:30 AM. You may unfold it to use for sitting, or may use if you want to have some sleep. If the MB would have been of anyone else, you could have to convince him for sitting or he may have to convince you for sleeping for one more hour. Best approach is in this case , use it as bed even if you don't want to, as the other person not willing to wake up so early has the right to sleep till 7-7:30 AM. After that, you can seek help from TTE or coach attendant.This is the worst case scenario, I dont think it will be a much problem in AC 3-tier.

Catwin

Thanks for the replies.
The tickets are:

CONFIRM / B1 / 59 UB
CONFIRM / B1 / 60 LB
CONFIRM / B1 / 61 MB
CONFIRM / B1 / 62 UB

Thanks, Catherine