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IRCTC has launched the beta version of its new website. The new portal offers several features such as faster ticket booking, reduced CAPTCHA requirements, easier navigation, seat selection, a fare calendar, and an improved checkout process. Additionally, the new system is capable of booking over 1.5 lakh tickets per minute.

Users booking train tickets via the IRCTC website will no longer have to grapple with issues like slow speeds, frequent CAPTCHA prompts, or login failures, thanks to the launch of the new website's beta version. The new site features a cleaner design, faster booking capabilities, and easier navigation compared to the previous version, making the ticket booking process much simpler for users. It has currently been released as a beta version to allow users to provide feedback before the final version is launched.

What has changed on the new IRCTC website?

The new website has been designed to be much simpler and more user-friendly than before, minimizing hassles during ticket booking. The company has implemented several major changes, including:

• Clean and simple interface: The website's design is now clearer and more user-friendly.
• Relief from CAPTCHA and pop-ups: Unnecessary CAPTCHA prompts, pop-ups, and flashing banners have been removed to enhance the booking experience.
• Easier Tatkal booking: Fewer steps and a faster process will save time when booking Tatkal tickets.
• Seat or berth preference: Users now have the option to select their preferred seat or berth while booking.
• Fare Calendar feature: Users can view fares for different dates in advance, making it easier to choose days with lower fares.
• Seat availability on a single screen: Seat availability across all travel classes—including Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC—will be displayed simultaneously, eliminating the need to check each class individually.
• A better and faster booking experience: The new changes will make ticket booking smoother and faster than before.
• No need to repeatedly enter details: Users can save their information, eliminating the need to re-enter details when booking tickets in the future.

How to use the new IRCTC website?

To use the new website, follow these steps:

First, visit https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search.
On the website's homepage, you will see a new option labeled "Explore Beta Now."
Clicking on this will take you to the interface of the new IRCTC website.

Users can provide suggestions.

Currently, the beta version of the new website is in the testing phase, so not all users have access to the full experience yet. However, users who do have access to the beta version can use the new portal and provide their suggestions. The company will make necessary improvements based on user feedback before launching the final version.

Over 1.5 lakh tickets can be booked in a minute.

The biggest advantage of the new IRCTC website will be significantly faster ticket booking. While the current website can book approximately 32,000 tickets per minute, the new system will be capable of booking over 1.5 lakh tickets per minute. This ensures the website functions smoothly even when a large number of people are booking tickets simultaneously. Additionally, PNR status and train information will be available much faster. The new system will be able to handle over 40 lakh requests per minute, compared to the current capacity of around 4 lakh requests per minute. Passengers booking Tatkal tickets will directly benefit from this. Issues such as website slowdowns, hanging, or payment failures are likely to decrease significantly, making ticket booking easier and faster.

Full rollout with the new reservation system

Along with the new website, IRCTC is also upgrading the Railways' Passenger Reservation Engine (PRE). This system handles train ticket bookings. Currently, the work is being carried out in phases to ensure the existing ticket booking service remains unaffected. According to reports, the new website could be launched by August 15.