IRCTC has launched the beta version of its new website. It was launched on the evening of July 15 and was made available to the general public from 9 pm onwards. The purpose of launching the beta version is to showcase the new design and features of the website to travelers so that they can provide their feedback and suggestions. Passengers can visit the new website https://www.irctc.co.in/eticket/. The plan is to launch a fully updated IRCTC portal in a few weeks, once the feedback phase is complete.
**How is the beta website of IRCTC**
The interface of the new beta website of IRCTC is quite nice. The homepage itself has options to book tickets as well as check PNR status and train schedule – features that travelers frequently require and are easily accessible here.
When you search for a train by selecting the source station and date, a new interface opens. The experience feels like booking an airline ticket; You see options for all classes of trains together. Different dates are visible at the top, so you can search tickets for other days also. On clicking on train availability, the seat status and ticket fare of all classes is shown together.
**All options in one tab**
By going to the ‘Train’ tab at the top of the site, you get all the important options in one place. These include booking tickets, IRCTC trains (group booking and insurance claims), PNR enquiry, canceling e-tickets, train schedule, tracking your train (live train status), FTR coach/train booking, booking for dogs/cats, linking your Aadhaar, canceling counter tickets, counter ticket booking/point charges and the official mobile app of IRCTC. Additionally, there are also options for food booking (‘MEALS’) and e-wallet at the top. ‘OTHER’ option provides facilities for bus, flight and hotel booking.
