Indian Railways is preparing to replace its 40-year-old Passenger Reservation System (PRS) with a modern cloud-based platform. This upgrade aims to solve the frequent server crashes and slow loading issues that passengers face during peak hours. The new system will significantly increase the speed and capacity of ticket bookings across the country.
What are the main benefits of the new PRS system
- Ticket booking capacity will increase from 32,000 to 1.5 lakh tickets per minute.
- The inquiry capacity will jump from 4 lakh to 40 lakh requests per minute.
- Passengers will be able to select their preferred seat and berth in real-time, similar to airline bookings.
- An AI-powered tool will predict waitlist confirmation with up to 94% accuracy.
When will the new system be available for passengers
The new IRCTC website is expected to launch by July 15, 2026. The upgraded PRS system will be implemented in phases starting from August 2026, though some reports suggest a full launch could happen by December 2025. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced this move following complaints from students regarding the current website’s performance.
Other key changes in the booking process
| Feature | Old System | New System |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Capacity | 32,000/min | 1.5 Lakh/min |
| Inquiry Capacity | 4 Lakh/min | 40 Lakh/min |
| Chart Preparation | 4 hours before | 8 hours before |
| Verification | Standard | Aadhaar/DigiLocker/OTP |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How will the new system help in Tatkal booking?
The system will handle 1.5 lakh tickets per minute, reducing server crashes. It will also use Aadhaar and DigiLocker for faster verification.
Can passengers choose their own seats now?
Yes, the new update will allow passengers to select their preferred seat and berth in real-time, just like booking a flight ticket.