redRail by redBus, an IRCTC authorized partner, announced the launch of two pragmatic features aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by passengers dealing with waitlisted train tickets: “Seat Guarantee” and “Connecting Trains”. Although trains are a critical means of transport, waitlisted tickets can leave passengers in a fix as last-minute travel bookings may not fit everyone’s budget, comfort or preferences. A staggering 5.2 crore waitlisted tickets were cancelled on Indian Railways in 2023. To counter this issue, redRail has launched these two solutions to help maximize the passengers’ chances of reaching their destination within the timeframe they intend to travel.

Seat Guarantee: Enhancing Passenger Confidence

The “Seat Guarantee” feature allays passenger anxiety around the possibility of train tickets not getting confirmed in time for the intended travel. Passengers can opt for this feature during checkout on redRail app or the redRail section under the redBus app, for a nominal fee. If their seat still remains waitlisted after chart preparation, redRail offers up to a three-fold refund:

●         Normal Refund: Passengers will receive a refund for the full ticket amount.

●         Refund as Voucher: an additional 2X of the ticket value is shared as a voucher coupon redeemable on any bus or train bookings on the redBus or redRail platform.

Last-minute changes to travel plans can often leave commuters in a fix, especially when faced with waitlisted tickets. With the Seat Guarantee feature, passengers receive an additional refund value of 2 times, offering a lifeline for those caught in such situations. Travelers are also given the option to book tickets from nearby locations, providing them with alternative options when faced with uncertainty. Additionally, passengers have a 7-day window around the date of their journey to redeem their vouchers, offering them a buffer to adjust their travel plans if needed. Communication regarding these redeemable vouchers is sent via WhatsApp, text, or email after chart preparation, ensuring transparency and ease for passengers.

Connecting Trains: Expanding Travel Options

The “Connecting Trains” feature introduces alternative train options for passengers when direct trains are fully booked or waitlisted. This feature suggests connecting train routes with layovers at intermediate stations, significantly increasing options of finding confirmed seats for the journey to their desired destination. For critical travel, passengers cannot afford travel uncertainties and often only look for direct options to their desired destinations. This feature seeks to address this issue.

Focussing on passenger convenience, the “Connecting Trains” feature takes into consideration reasonable layover times and changes to the overall travel time, in addition to showing alternate trains and classes available. This innovative feature aims to address the challenges faced by passengers dealing with waitlisting and limited seat availability, providing them with more options and flexibility when planning their train journeys.

“The introduction of these new features mark a strategic response to the evolving landscape of train travel in India. Rooted in our deep understanding of passenger expectations and industry dynamics, these offerings go beyond mere reservation enhancements—they address the anxieties of crores of train passengers. We recognize that modern travelers seek assurance, reliability, and a seamless journey experience. By harnessing advanced backend algorithms, we are elevating the reliability and convenience of train travel for every passenger. ‘Seat Guarantee’ and ‘Connecting Trains’ features stand as testament to redRail’s commitment to enhancing the train travel experience and shaping the future of train travel,” said Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus.