IRCTC Beta Website Boosts Tatkal Booking By 5% In First Three Minutes

IRCTC on Saturday reportedly said that its newly launched beta website has improved Tatkal ticket booking success by more than 5% during the crucial first three minutes after bookings open, a key period when demand is at its highest.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched the beta version of its upgraded website on July 15, 2026, with the aim of making train ticket booking faster, smoother, and easier for passengers.

Faster bookings in the busiest Tatkal window

According to IRCTC, data comparing the first and second fortnights of the month showed a significant improvement in booking speed.

Bookings completed within the first three minutes increased by over 5%, while those completed within five minutes rose by 3%. The 30-minute booking window also recorded an increase of more than 2%, indicating faster ticket confirmations across the platform.

New design focuses on smoother user experience

The upgraded website features a modern interface inspired by global design trends, including Glassmorphism, with a cleaner layout and a more structured presentation of information.

IRCTC said the redesign offers a smoother journey from login to ticket confirmation and helps passengers navigate the booking process more efficiently.

Fewer CAPTCHAs and pop-ups

The railway PSU said it has reduced interruptions such as repetitive CAPTCHAs and intrusive pop-up messages based on passenger feedback.

According to IRCTC, the changes allow users to complete bookings with fewer distractions and a more seamless digital experience.

Multiple class availability on one screen

One of the key additions to the beta website is the ability to check availability across multiple travel classes on a single screen.

Passengers can now compare Sleeper, AC 3 Tier, and AC 2 Tier options together, making it easier to choose the most suitable ticket without repeatedly switching between pages.

Online booking share rises to nearly 90%

IRCTC claimed the share of online railway ticket bookings increased to 89.84% in July 2026, helping reduce pressure on Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters as more passengers shifted to digital booking.

The corporation said the website will continue to receive updates and improvements based on passenger feedback, with the goal of making the booking process faster, simpler, and more reliable.