The Indian Railways will send SMS alerts to passengers if their booked ticket is cancelled, reports BGR. The agency started the program on a pilot basis on the 21st of June, which sends out an SMS to passengers boarding at the originating station. Passengers boarding at stations en-route will not be able to avail this facility. To enable the feature, passengers will have to enter their mobile numbers on the ticket reservation slip. Its not clear when the program will be extended to all passengers or if it will be available to users who book tickets online. By instantly informing customers about cancellations, the initiative will help passengers make alternate travel arrangements instead of having to wait the last moment. Railway budget: During the railway budget presentation in February this year, the agency had outlined plans to introduce SMS alert services for train timings, including expected arrival times, delays etc. It looks like the agency is acting on its promise, although all the features mentioned then are not yet available. Other than this the railway budget included the creation of a consumer complaint facility, an e-catering service, a multi lingual e ticketing portal, an integrated customer portal, WiFi plans and on board entertainment on select trains. Interestingly, the Railway Minister had said then that it received over 20,000 suggestions through social media, some of which were incorporated into the budget. Previous railways developments: - Earlier this month IRCTC tied up with SpiceJet and GoAir to allow train travellers with wait…
