Single window portal for Railways soon

As part of efforts to enhance passenger convenience and ensure hassle-free ticket booking, Railways are developing a 'single window commercial portal' which will act as an e-commerce platform integrating a wide gamut of commercial activities.

The move is aimed at augmenting e-ticketing services in addition to other activities under the single window e-commerce platform, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

"Once it becomes operational, one can book tickets on-line through the portal. Currently e-ticketing is being carried out by the IRCTC, a railway subsidiary," he said.

Such options already exist in aviation sector where there are stand alone ticketing portals as well as parent platforms where travellers can subscribe to other umbrella and value added services offered by the carriers, the official said.

The portal will help Railways supplement the existing services so as to cater to the increased passenger traffic as well as demand for e-ticketing given its flexibility, he said.

The move comes as Railways have recently taken several measures which include liberalised norms such as acceptance of more number of ID-proofs and extension of e-booking facility round the clock.