The Indian Railways has brought great news for its passengers by launching 10 new unreserved trains starting from January 20, 2025. This initiative aims to offer a seamless travel experience, allowing passengers to board these trains without prior reservations. This step is designed to accommodate the growing demand for flexible and accessible train travel.
IRCTC’s New Initiative: Unreserved Train Service
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched this new service, where passengers can buy tickets directly at the station and embark on their journey. The introduction of these unreserved trains is a significant move to enhance convenience and flexibility for travelers.
Plan Overview
Under this plan, starting from January 20, 2025, 10 trains will operate without the requirement of advance reservations. The objective is to facilitate easier travel for passengers, especially those who face difficulties securing tickets on short notice. These services will connect major cities across the country, providing a vital link for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike.
Details of the 10 New Unreserved Trains
Here is the comprehensive list of the new unreserved trains, including their routes and schedules:
1. Delhi-Mumbai Express
- Departure: Delhi – 06:00 AM
- Arrival: Mumbai – 10:00 PM
2. Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express
- Departure: Howrah – 04:30 PM
- Arrival: New Delhi – 10:00 AM (next day)
3. Chennai-Bengaluru Shatabdi Express
- Departure: Chennai – 06:00 AM
- Arrival: Bengaluru – 11:00 AM
4. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express
- Departure: Mumbai – 07:00 AM
- Arrival: Ahmedabad – 01:00 PM
5. Kolkata-Patna Jan Shatabdi Express
- Departure: Kolkata – 06:30 AM
- Arrival: Patna – 01:30 PM
6. New Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express
- Departure: New Delhi – 06:10 AM
- Arrival: Lucknow – 12:30 PM
7. Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Express
- Departure: Secunderabad – 08:00 AM
- Arrival: Visakhapatnam – 08:00 PM
8. Mumbai-Pune Intercity Express
- Departure: Mumbai – 06:40 AM
- Arrival: Pune – 09:50 AM
9. Chennai-Coimbatore Shatabdi Express
- Departure: Chennai – 07:15 AM
- Arrival: Coimbatore – 01:00 PM
10. New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
- Departure: New Delhi – 06:00 AM
- Arrival: Varanasi – 02:00 PM
Ticket Purchase Options for Unreserved Trains
To ensure a smooth and efficient ticketing process, passengers can utilize several options for purchasing tickets for these unreserved trains:
1. Station Ticket Counters
Passengers can directly visit the ticket counters at stations to purchase their tickets for unreserved trains.
2. UTS Mobile App
For a more convenient and time-saving approach, the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app can be used to buy tickets.
3. Common Service Centers
Tickets can also be acquired from nearby Common Service Centers (CSCs), offering an additional layer of accessibility.
Passenger Amenities on Unreserved Trains
To enhance the travel experience, IRCTC offers several amenities to passengers on these unreserved trains:
1. E-Catering
Passengers can order their preferred meals online and have them delivered directly to their seats through the E-Catering service.
2. Rail Connect App
The Rail Connect App provides comprehensive travel information, including real-time train status and ticketing details.
3. Ask Disha Chatbot
The AI-powered Ask Disha Chatbot is available to answer all travel-related queries, ensuring passengers have access to necessary information.
4. Alternate Train Options
In case of unavailability in a preferred train, passengers have the option to select alternate trains, making travel planning more flexible.
Benefits of the New Initiative
This new service by IRCTC is expected to offer multiple advantages for both passengers and the railway network:
1. Ease of Travel Without Prior Booking
The ability to travel without prior reservation eliminates the hassle of long queues and rigid travel plans, providing a more flexible travel experience.
2. Increased Passenger Convenience
Passengers can plan their travel on the go, which is particularly beneficial for last-minute plans or emergencies.
3. Revenue Boost for Railways
With increased passenger numbers, the railway network is poised to see a significant increase in revenue, contributing to its overall development.
4. Better Utilization of Rail Network
By offering more unreserved travel options, the rail network can optimize its utilization, ensuring efficient service delivery.
Future Plans
Given the anticipated success of this initiative, IRCTC is likely to expand this service to more routes. Future plans include:
1. Expansion of Unreserved Trains
IRCTC aims to introduce unreserved trains on additional routes, covering more cities and regions.
2. Development of Smart Ticketing Systems
Plans are in place to develop smart ticketing systems that simplify the ticketing process and enhance the passenger experience.
3. Further Improvements in Passenger Amenities
Continuous improvements in amenities and services are expected to provide passengers with an even more comfortable travel experience.
Important Tips for Passengers
For those planning to travel on these unreserved trains, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth journey:
- Arrive Early: Be at the station well in advance to secure your tickets and board the train comfortably.
- Carry Identification: Always have a valid ID proof with you during your travel.
- Download the UTS App: This will save time and simplify the ticket purchasing process.
- Follow COVID-19 Guidelines: Ensure compliance with safety protocols to safeguard your health.
- Keep Your Belongings Secure: Stay vigilant and keep your luggage secure during the journey.
