Travelling in trains for long distance has its own experience. Sometimes, it is incredible, especially when it is running on time, wherein in other instances it can be miserable. But the tedious one at the recent times has been reservations. And we feel a lot better when we see our names appearing in those charts pasted on the coaches across. However, we will have to give away this tradition. They are now history! Yes, the Indian Railways have stopped sticking them on coaches from today, September 1. Now, you can only know your Passenger Name Record (PNR), reservation status and berths through an SMS on your mobile and over the internet. Indian Railways App 'UTS on Mobile' For Same Day Train Ticket: Mumbai Gets UTS Counter at CSMT Station. 

These lists showing the passenger travelling status in the compartments have been around since the time booking arrangements came into practice. The reason for the move is the internet. Senior officials reported that 70 per cent of the 11 lakh passengers receive their railways' tickets over the internet. Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railways, told Mumbai Mirror, “And nearly everyone who books a ticket, including at the ticketing window, supplies a phone number to which relevant details regarding the tickets and the journey are sent. So, if you have a ticket in your email/phone, why would you need a reservation chart posted on each compartment.” However, the Railway Ministry has come up with an alternative.

How to check PNR Status?

1. To check PNR status online, visit indianrail.gov.in. Enter the PNR number and click the submit button.

2. To check PNR status through SMS, enter your 10-digit PNR number and send it to 139 or 5676747.

If we go by a circular issued by Ministry of Railways, all the stations will soon be equipped with electronic charts that will display the required details of each passenger, or with kiosks showing information on the input of the PNR. Ravinder Bhakar, Chief Public Relation Officer, Western Railway said, “The focus will be on e-tickets, sending reservation information through SMS, digital display at platforms. Alternatively, people can also dial 139 for IVR assistance, or approach the TTE of the train.” The same report further stated that physical charts would continue to be stuck on soft boards at railway platforms. On World Environment Day, Indian Railways Introduce Biodegradable Food Packages in Shatabadi And Rajdhani Trains. 

It will take time for travellers to adjust with the recent decision for obvious reasons. Besides, there a lot of commuters who are not acquainted with the online system adding many confusions over their reservation status. On the other hand, in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Mumbai Central and many significant stations have discontinued pasting reservation charts on the coaches about a few months ago.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2018 11:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).