Indian Railways is now on WhatsApp, here's how to check train status

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Now passengers can get real-time train updates through WhatsApp
Now passengers can get real-time train updates through WhatsApp

New Delhi : In an attempt to improve its travel services, the Indian Railways has joined hand with MakeMyTrip (an Indian online travel company) to provide live train status through WhatsApp, which is the most popular instant messaging platform in current days. Now, passengers can get updates regarding train timings, booking status, cancellation, platform number on which the train will arrive, by sending a request through WhatsApp. It is one of the many initiatives undertaken by the Indian Railways to enhance the travel experience of its customers.

In order to get train status on whatsapp, passengers are required to save the number 7349389104 on their smart phones. When an update is required, they will have to send a specific train number on the aforesaid number through WhatsApp, and details of the respective train will be provided to them. If the server is free from hustle user can expect to get a response within 10 seconds of sending the request. However, passengers should be careful that the particular train number won't reach the server until they see two blue ticks on the WhatsApp text, which indicates that the message was delivered successfully.

Lately, the Railways had redesigned its official website to make its services more easily accessible. The changes include:

  • An easy-to-use web interface.
  • Train search without logging-in to the website.
  • Details about train availability, departure, and arrival available on the homepage itself.
  • Option to change font-size of the website for a comfortable viewing experience.
  • Waitlist prediction feature through which users can ascertain the probability of a waitlisted or an RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket to get confirmed.  
  • Technological advancements in the new User Interface (UI) which facilitates seamless navigation through the website on mobile, desktop, laptop, and tablet.

In addition, Indian Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, has announced a new facility to improve the onboard catering service offered by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Now, trains with pantries will have an IRCTC manager to address food-related complaints. The manager would attend to the complaints even when the train is on its course. For this, a dedicated berth or seat has been reserved for the IRCTC manager. The manager would report to the 'Train Captain' at the railway station from where the train journey starts. He will carry an authority-letter and a valid ID proof.