Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced several digital upgrades for the Indian Railways ticketing system. These changes aim to fix common problems like slow website speed and captcha issues that passengers face during peak hours. The updates will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2026 to make booking easier for everyone.
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What are the changes in the IRCTC website and PRS?
A new and improved IRCTC website will launch by July 15, 2026. This system will handle a much higher load to prevent crashes during Tatkal bookings. The capacity will increase from 32,000 to over 1.5 lakh tickets per minute. Additionally, a modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS) will replace the 40-year-old system by August 2026.
| Feature | Current Capacity | New Capacity (By 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Bookings per Minute | 32,000 | 1.5 Lakh+ |
| Inquiries per Minute | 4 Lakh | 40 Lakh+ |
Can passengers change their travel date now?
Starting January 2026, passengers can change the travel date of their confirmed tickets online without any additional fees. Earlier, people had to cancel tickets and book new ones, which led to loss of money. Under the new rule, rescheduling is free, but the new date will depend on seat availability. If the new ticket is costlier, the passenger will pay the difference.
How will on-board confirmed tickets work?
By August 2026, passengers will be able to book confirmed tickets even while the train is moving. TTEs will use upgraded Hand Held Terminals (HHTs) to upload vacant seat data instantly if a passenger does not show up. This will make these seats available for booking on the IRCTC website for passengers at upcoming stations, helping those with RAC or waiting list tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When can I change the date of my confirmed train ticket for free?
This facility will be available from January 2026 for online bookings of reserved general tickets, subject to seat availability.
What are the benefits of the new IRCTC website launching in 2026?
The new website will increase booking capacity to 1.5 lakh tickets per minute and offer features like seat selection and a fare calendar.