The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official website of Indian Railways that allows users to plan their train travel across the country. With millions of passengers commuting daily, the IRCTC website’s travel planner is an essential tool for travelers to book tickets, check seat availability, and plan their journeys efficiently.
To use the IRCTC website’s travel planner, follow these simple steps:
1. Create an IRCTC account:
Before you can start planning your journey, you need to create an account on the IRCTC website. Visit the website and click on the “Register” button to fill in your details and create your unique username and password. Once your account is created, you can log in and access the travel planner.
2. Plan your journey:
On the IRCTC website’s homepage, you will find the “Plan my journey” option. Click on it to access the travel planner. Here, you will be required to enter your source and destination stations, travel date, and class of travel. The travel planner allows you to search for trains based on specific criteria such as train type, quota, and more.
3. Check seat availability:
After entering your journey details, click on the “Check availability” button. The website will display a list of trains available on your selected route along with their departure and arrival times. You can view the seat availability for different classes like Sleeper, AC, and more. This feature helps you plan your journey based on the availability of seats.
4. Book your tickets
Once you have found a suitable train with available seats, click on the “Book now” button. The website will redirect you to a page where you can enter passenger details, select your preferred coach and seat, and make the payment. IRCTC offers various payment options, including net banking, debit cards, credit cards, and e-wallets.
5. Manage your bookings:
The IRCTC website also allows you to manage your bookings. After booking your tickets, you can view and download your e-ticket, cancel or modify your bookings, and check the status of your ticket. This feature comes in handy if you need to make any changes to your travel plans.
6. Additional features:
Apart from booking tickets, the IRCTC website’s travel planner offers several other features. You can check train schedules, seat availability for different dates, and even set alerts for seat availability on specific trains. The website also provides information on train routes, fare details, and tourist packages available for various destinations.
Using the IRCTC website’s travel planner not only saves time but also ensures a hassle-free booking experience. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, you can plan your train travel with ease. However, it is important to note that due to the high demand for train tickets, especially during peak seasons, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.
In conclusion, the IRCTC website’s travel planner is a valuable tool for anyone planning to travel by train in India. By following these steps, you can leverage the website’s features to find, book, and manage your train tickets efficiently. So, next time you plan to travel by train, make sure to utilize the IRCTC website’s travel planner for a seamless journey.
