Indian Railways to announce 360-day advance rail booking period for foreigners

Indian Railways to announce 360-day advance rail booking period for foreigners

Foreigners are also not allowed to book tickets in Suvidha trains that cater to last minute travel planners. The aim is to provide adequate time to foreigners and NRIs to plan their holidays well in advance, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

Now, foreign tourists can book train tickets 360 days in advance from abroad instead of the present 120 days. The Indian Railways would announce the facility this week. Aiming to attract more foreigners and NRI travellers, railways have undertaken steps to facilitate easy booking of tickets for them.

However, foreigners would be allowed to book tickets only in first AC, second AC and executive class of mail express trains and in Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Gatimaan and Tejas trains 360 days in advance as the facility is not available for sleeper and third AC.

Foreigners are also not allowed to book tickets in Suvidha trains that cater to last minute travel planners. The aim is to provide adequate time to foreigners and NRIs to plan their holidays well in advance, said a senior Railway Ministry official. He said the advance reservation period has been extended to 360 days for foreigners/NRIs and they can book their tickets online using credit or debit cards without depending
on travel agents.

They are required to give visa details, passport and international mobile numbers while booking online through the IRCTC ticketing site. IRCTC, a railways PSU, would levy Rs 200 per ticket as service charge. In case of cancellations, existing rules would be applied after deducting flat Rs 50 from the total fare. Besides announcing the facility for foreigners, railways would also launch an integrated mobile application for passengers shortly.

The app will offer facilities of booking tickets, retiring rooms, taxis, porters, ordering food and inquiry service among others.

 

News Source: PTI

You might also like

Trending

Government has no plan to completely exit Air India, says Jayant Sinha

The government remains committed to the disinvestment of Air India but has no plan to exit the national carrier altogether, Union minister Jayant Sinha said recently. The proposed stake sale

Latest

Ethiopian Airlines won Employer of Choice Award

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest, fastest growing and most profitable airline in Africa, is pleased to announce that it has won Employer of Choice 2015 award by Careers in Africa in

Destinations

World Tapas Day arrives to New Delhi

The Tourism Office of Spain partners with Sevilla Restaurant at The Claridges New Delhi to celebrate World Tapas Day. A unique occasion to enjoy Tapas Specialties and treat the foodie