It also has a 24/7 contact centre to help address issues such as tour bookings, train reservations, availability of seats, and train timings.

Train Ticket Reservations:

IRCTC.co.in allows you to book train tickets online, making the process of railways reservations instantaneous and simple. IRCTC provides two options − i−tickets and e−tickets. If you pick the i-ticket, the rail ticket will be delivered to your doorstep by courier. However this service is available only in select cities across India. If you opt for the E-ticket, you can save it on your computer and take a print out. IRCTC has recently launched a new medium for booking tickets called IRCTC mobile. IRCTC Mobile enables you to book your tickets, as well as, perform various other services through your mobile phone. In order to avail of this service, you must use a java enabled phone or a smart phone with a GPRS connection. Tickets ordered using this medium will be delivered to your postal address within three days.

IRCTC General, Tatkal & Ladies quota Booking:

IRCTC has come up with a ‘ladies quota’ from 2011 and with its different bank tie-ups also offers frequent discount schemes on specific credit and debit cards. Perhaps, the most discerning feature of IRCTC is the scheme of ‘tatkal’ booking, which is meant for travellers who have not booked in advance and find that tickets have been sold out. The tatkal booking service is available for all classes of travel with the exception of AC first and executive class. There is a particular number of seats under tatkal quota and tickets are given on first come first serve basis. To use this service, one has to check for ticket availability. If tickets are available, one can buy the same through IRCTC in lieu of a premium payment. However, cancellations or modifications are not allowed on tatkal tickets. Sale of tatkal e-tickets open just two days prior to journey excluding the date of departure. IRCTC also has provisions for discounted tickets for senior citizens. Payment modes include cash cards, debit cards, and credit cards through IRCTC Mobile and other online mediums.

Tourist Trains and Tour Packages:

IRCTC has come up with a ‘ladies quota’ from 2011 and with its different bank tie-ups also offers frequent discount schemes on specific credit and debit cards. Perhaps, the most discerning feature of IRCTC is the scheme of ‘tatkal’ booking, which is meant for travellers who have not booked in advance and find that tickets have been sold out. The tatkal booking service is available for all classes of travel with the exception of AC first and executive class. There is a particular number of seats under tatkal quota and tickets are given on first come first serve basis. To use this service, one has to check for ticket availability. If tickets are available, one can buy the same through IRCTC in lieu of a premium payment. However, cancellations or modifications are not allowed on tatkal tickets. Sale of tatkal e-tickets open just two days prior to journey excluding the date of departure. IRCTC also has provisions for discounted tickets for senior citizens. Payment modes include cash cards, debit cards, and credit cards through IRCTC Mobile and other online mediums.

Indian Railways Luxury Trains:

IRCTC currently offers 4 luxury tourist train packages and plans to launch many more in the near future. The following luxury trains are currently functional:

• Palace on Wheels - This luxurious train takes you through Rajasthan and Agra
• Fairy Queen - Delhi, Alwar and Tiger Reserve are the destinations covered
• Heritage on Wheels - The best way to explore Rajasthan
• Deccan Odyssey - This train tour of Mumbai, Goa and Ajanta caves is fast becoming popular among travel enthusiasts