Beta version fails the Tatkal test: Seats available, but passengers land on waiting list

Payyanur: Despite the introduction of the Railways' revised ticket-booking app in beta, regular users say they are still getting no relief. The app has become a source of frustration for passengers trying to book Tatkal tickets, often their last hope of securing a train journey.

Even after logging in on time and completing the booking process, passengers say their attempts often fail at the final stage. In some cases, the app shows seats as available, but by the time the booking is completed, passengers find themselves on the waiting list.

With the Onam season approaching, the issue is causing particular concern among expatriate Malayalis, for whom Tatkal tickets are often the last option to secure a journey home.

The terrible 'loading'

One passenger recently experienced the problem while trying to book four tickets on a Jan Shatabdi train from Kannur to Ernakulam.

At the time of booking, 230 seats were shown as available. The passenger completed the booking process, including the payment, and waited for the confirmation. However, the page froze and the screen eventually went blank.

Although Rs 750 was debited from the account, the ticket was not confirmed.

When the passenger immediately checked the availability on the app again, 170 seats were still shown as available. The passenger attempted to book again, only to find that the tickets had been assigned Tatkal waiting-list numbers 33 to 36.

The ticket fare was Rs 720. Including a convenience charge of Rs 17.70 and a banking transaction fee of Rs 15, the total amount charged was Rs 755. Passengers say that if such tickets are cancelled, the refund will be subject to service charges and cancellation fees.

Passengers say similar problems continue to occur on several trains despite the launch of the beta version of the revised app.

Another concern is that when booking online, passengers are shown only the availability or waiting-list status. The berth details are displayed only after the ticket is booked.

Passengers have questioned the practice of allowing bookings when the availability shown is uncertain, particularly when cancellation charges may subsequently be deducted.

During the busy travel season, Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets often sell out within minutes of bookings opening. Passengers therefore question why the booking platform continues to freeze or malfunction at the crucial final stage, even after the introduction of the revised beta version.

Expatriates in despair

Tatkal booking is often the last resort for expatriate Malayalis, many of whom are forced to rely on uncertain waiting-list tickets to travel home during the festive season.

Passengers say booking a Tatkal ticket has now become a tightrope walk, with the platform struggling to handle the rush during peak booking hours.

With Onam approaching, they fear that continued technical problems could make securing confirmed train tickets even more difficult.