How to book a train ticket using SMS service

Booking a train ticket has always been tough task. With the introduction of online rail services, it solved some of the issues like waiting at the station in long ques to book a ticket. You have complete control over booking a ticket or using any other services, but you have to go through a process and click on several links to book a ticket. Sometimes, you want to book a ticket within one or two steps and this was not possible till now. Indian Railways have started a new service to book a train ticket using the mobile SMS service.

Yes, now you can book your ticket easily just by sending two simple SMS to 139. This number was used to ask query about the train but now you can use this number to book a train. Let’s take an example, to book a train ticket, check Pawan Express 11065 seat availability. Without seat availability, you cannot book a ticket and you will need some numbers and codes to book a ticket

Here are some prerequisites that you will be requiring to book a train using SMS service.

·         The user should be registered to IRCTC with the same mobile number that will be used to book a ticket using SMS. This number should be registered with the bank as well to get necessary information via SMS.

·         User should have the OTP and MMID from the bank for IMPS transaction.

MMID: MMID or mobile money identifier is a 7-digit number that a bank provides to its customer. The purpose of this number to identify the bank and account number that is linked with this MMID number.

OTP: OTP or onetime password is like a key you get this password right before a transaction to authenticate the user who is making transaction using the account details. The number on which you will be getting the OTP should be same as the one registered with IRCTC.

If you have all the things mentioned above, then follow the steps below to book your train ticket through SMS.

1.       Step 1: Filling the personal details

To book a ticket, you must give all the information that is required by the railways to book a ticket. Here’s how you have to provide the necessary information to the railways

BOOK <train no.><starting point><end point><date of travel><type of class><Passenger1- name><age><Gender>.

You can fill the information for 6 passengers. If the format of the message is correct, you will receive a SMS from 139 containing a transaction id.

2.       Step 2: Making the payment

To confirm your booking, you have to make the payment and for that you have to send a SMS stated below to 139

PAY <transaction ID> IMPS <MMID><OTP><IRCTCuserID>

You will receive MMID and OTP from your bank for completing the transaction.

If the transaction was successful, you will receive a confirmation SMS from 139 containing the coach number, seat number, date and other ticket information.