Indian Railways has announced a big facility for the passengers. From January 26, 2025, 16 new trains will run across the country without reservation. The main objective of these trains is to provide ease of travel to the passengers without reservation. This move will be especially beneficial for those passengers who frequently undertake urgent journeys or who have to travel suddenly.
The introduction of these new trains will not only provide more options to passengers, but will also reduce crowding at railway stations. Also, this initiative is also a part of the digitization drive of Indian Railways, as tickets for these trains can also be booked online. Let us know about this new initiative in detail.
IRCTC’s New Unreserved Train Service: An Overview
Key information about the 16 new trains without reservation being launched by IRCTC is as follows:
| Description | Information |
| start date | January 26, 2025 |
| number of new trains | 16 |
| main road | Delhi-Mumbai, Chennai-Bangalore, Kolkata-Patna, Jaipur-Ajmer |
| ticket booking | Railway counter and UTS app |
| types of boxes | General and seating category |
| special facilities | Mobile charging points, bio-toilets |
| fare structure | economical |
| frequency | daily and weekly |
Need and importance of Unreserved Train
The introduction of trains without reservation is an important step taken by Indian Railways. Many reasons account for this:
- Facility for immediate travel: Many times people have to travel suddenly. In such a situation, it becomes difficult to make reservation. By these trains, passengers will be able to travel immediately without any hassle.
- Reducing crowding: These trains will prove helpful in reducing crowding at reservation counters.
- Affordable travel: The fares of these trains have been kept lower than normal trains, which is beneficial for common passengers.
- Connectivity to small towns: These trains will also connect small cities and towns, providing better transportation facilities to the people of those areas.
- Boost to Digital India: The facility of ticket booking through UTS app will strengthen the Digital India campaign.
Route and schedule of unreserved trains
Information about some of the major routes and their schedules of the 16 new non-reservation trains being launched by IRCTC is as follows:
1. Delhi-Mumbai Unreserved Express
- Departure: Delhi – 6:00 am
- Arrival: Mumbai – 11:30 pm
- Frequency: Daily
This train will cover the distance between Delhi and Mumbai in approximately 17.5 hours. Passengers will get the experience of fast and economical travel on this route.
2.Chennai-Bengaluru Intercity Express
- Departure: Chennai – 7:00 am
- Arrival: Bengaluru – 1:00 pm
- Frequency: Daily
This train will connect two major cities of South India. Passengers traveling on this route will get better connectivity and save time.
3. Kolkata-Patna Unreserved Special
- Departure: Kolkata – 5:30 am
- Arrival: Patna – 2:00 pm
- Frequency: 5 days a week
This train will connect two important cities of Eastern India. Students and businessmen traveling on this route will get special benefits.
4. Jaipur-Ajmer Fast Passenger
- Departure: Jaipur – 8:00 am
- Arrival: Ajmer – 11:30 am
- Frequency: Daily
This train will connect two major cities of Rajasthan. Tourists and local people traveling on this route will benefit.
Apart from these major routes, other trains will also connect various cities and towns, giving passengers the benefit of a wider network.
Unreserved Train Ticket Booking Process
The process of getting a ticket to travel in these non-reservation trains is very simple. Passengers can get tickets in two ways:
- Railway Station Counter: Passengers can purchase tickets directly from the ticket counter located at the railway station. For this they will have to show their identity card.
- UTS App: Passengers can also book tickets by downloading the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) app on their smartphones. This app allows passengers to book tickets online without reservation.
Steps to book tickets through UTS app:
- Download the UTS app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Create or login to your account.
- Click on ‘Book Ticket’ option.
- Enter your journey details like station name, date, and number of passengers.
- Select your train from the list of available trains.
- Make payment and receive your e-ticket.
Features and facilities of Unreserved Train
Many modern facilities will be provided to the passengers in the non-reservation trains being started by IRCTC. These facilities are aimed at providing comfortable and safe travel to the passengers. Some of the key features and facilities are:
- Mobile Charging Points: Mobile charging points will be available near every seat, allowing passengers to charge their devices.
- Bio-toilets: Modern bio-toilets will be installed in all trains, which will help in maintaining cleanliness.
- Better ventilation: High capacity fans and ventilation systems will be installed in the coaches, which will make the journey comfortable.
- CCTV cameras: CCTV cameras will be installed in every compartment for security.
- LED Display: LED displays will be installed inside the train, which will provide important information to the passengers.
- Special Seats: Provision of special seats will be made for the elderly, disabled and pregnant women.
- Fire Alarm System: Fire alarm system will be installed in every compartment for safety.
- Clean Drinking Water: Clean drinking water will be arranged for the passengers.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and the information provided in it is based on official sources. However, readers are advised to verify this information from the official IRCTC website or the Railway Department itself. Train routes, timings, fares and other details are subject to change at any time, so it would be best to contact the concerned authorities for final and accurate information.
