E-Ticketing Has Transformed Indian Railways! Now 89 Out of 100 Passengers Book Tickets Online
National Desk: The impact of the Digital India campaign is clearly visible in the ticketing system of Indian Railways. Earlier, passengers had to stand in long queues at railway stations to buy tickets, but the situation has completely changed now. Today, most people book their tickets from home using their mobile phones, laptops, or apps.
Only 11% Passengers Now Use Ticket Counters
According to the latest data from IRCTC, out of every 100 passengers, only 11 are purchasing tickets from railway counters. The remaining 89 passengers are using digital platforms. This shift has accelerated rapidly in the past few years.
Tickets in Just a Few Seconds
Over the last decade, Indian Railways has made the ticketing system extremely simple and fast. Now, a ticket can be booked on a mobile phone in just a few seconds. There is no need to stand in queues, wait for hours, or worry about carrying cash. This digital transformation has saved passengers’ time and reduced crowds at stations as well.
Data Shows Rapid Growth in Online Ticketing
The percentage of online ticket bookings has been steadily rising from 2014 to 2025:
- 2014–15: 54%
- 2015–16: 57%
- 2016–17: 60%
- 2018–19: 70%
- 2020–21: 80%
- 2023–24: 83%
- 2024–25: 86%
- 2025–26: 89%
This means 9 out of 10 passengers now book their railway tickets online.
When Is Online Ticketing Unavailable?
IRCTC ticket booking remains unavailable only between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM due to daily server maintenance. Apart from this, tickets can be booked 24/7.
Railways Continues to Upgrade Its Technology
To ensure smooth and reliable e-ticketing, Indian Railways has made several improvements:
- Faster and stable website
- User-friendly mobile app
- Enhanced server capacity
- Multiple digital payment options
- UPI, net banking, wallets, debit/credit cards — all supported
These advancements have enabled people in villages, towns, and cities to book tickets without any difficulty.
A Strong Example of Digital India
E-ticketing has not only modernized Indian Railways but has also become a major symbol of the Digital India initiative. Travelling is now faster, easier, hassle-free, and more convenient than ever before. Indian Railways is no longer just a mode of transport — it has become a symbol of the country’s digital progress.
