Booking connecting train tickets through IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) online has become more streamlined since April 1, 2019. With the introduction of linking two Passenger Name Records (PNRs) for a connecting journey, passengers can now enjoy a more seamless travel experience. This article guides you through the process of booking connecting train tickets on IRCTC online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Connecting Tickets
Step 1: Access the Connecting Journey Booking Option
- Navigate to the IRCTC website and go to the main menu.
- Select “TRAINS” and choose the “Connecting journey booking” option.
Step 2: Find Your Train
- Search for the train for your journey.
- Check the accommodation availability on the train list page.
Step 3: Initiate the Booking Process
- Click on the ‘Book Now’ button.
- You will be prompted to input a connecting PNR, which can be a counter ticket or a PNR booked with the same user ID.
Step 4: Verify and Populate Passenger Details
- Input the eligible counter ticket or PNR for the connecting journey.
- The system checks the eligibility of your PNR for connecting journey booking.
- If booking against a counter ticket, OTP verification is required before fetching passenger details.
Salient Features of Connecting Journey Booking
- Station Alignment: The journey terminating station of the main journey should match the originating/boarding station of the connecting journey.
- PNR Consistency: The PNR from the station and boarding station should be the same, as well as the PNR to the station and reserved up to.
- Passenger Details: Passenger details, including name, age, and gender in both PNRs, must be identical. Changes in these details are not allowed.
- Ticket Status: Only Confirm/Part Confirm tickets are eligible for connecting journey bookings.
- Time Frame: The time difference between the main journey and the connecting journey should not exceed 5 days.
- Linking Two PNRs: The PNR with the first journey lap is considered the Main Journey PNR, and the subsequent one is the Connected Journey PNR.
- Mobile Number for PRS Counter Tickets: To link a PRS counter ticket with an eTicket, the counter ticket must have a mobile number for OTP authentication.
- Cancellation Impact: Partial cancellation of any connected PNR will result in its de-linking.
- Exclusions: TQ/PT/FT Quota tickets or current booking PNRs are not eligible.
- Time Difference Limits: The time gap between the main journey’s arrival and the connecting journey’s departure should be between 1 minute and 5 days.
- No Modifications: Changes in the journey are not permitted for connected PNRs.
- Fixed Boarding Station: Changing the boarding station is not allowed.
- No VIKALP Option: VIKALP option is not applicable for connected journey tickets.
- No Loyalty Accrual: Loyalty points cannot be accrued on bookings for connected journeys.
Conclusion
The IRCTC’s connecting journey booking feature simplifies the process of booking consecutive train journeys. By understanding and following these guidelines, travelers can effortlessly book their connecting train tickets online, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.