In a move aimed at enhancing convenience and digitisation, the Indian Railways is developing a dedicated online portal for Members of Parliament (MPs) to book reserved tickets. The facility will be extended to both sitting and former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, according to a senior Railway Ministry official.

This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising services for Parliamentarians, many of whom rely on railway travel for their extensive movement across the country. Currently, MPs are entitled to a variety of travel benefits, including free or concessional travel in AC classes, which they often book through railway offices manually.

Railways turns digital for MPs

Recognising the need for streamlining this process, the Ministry of Railways has undertaken the development of a specialised software that will allow MPs to book and cancel reserved train tickets online.

“The development of the software is already underway. This platform will serve both sitting and former Members of Parliament. The portal will facilitate booking and cancellation of reserved tickets as per their eligibility and convenience,” said an official involved with the project.

The digital interface will not only enhance transparency and record keeping but will also help reduce unnecessary paperwork and dependencies on manual ticketing systems, which often cause delays and confusion.

Travel entitlements of MPs

Under existing rules, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are entitled to free rail travel throughout India, including first-class AC travel for themselves and concessional tickets for companions. Former MPs also enjoy limited free travel annually post their term, which varies depending on tenure and category.

At present, MPs often rely on Railway liaison officers or personal staff to book their tickets through a manual request system. This leads to inefficiencies, especially when last-minute cancellations or rebookings are required.

With the upcoming portal, MPs can log in using their credentials, choose trains, check availability, and book tickets in real-time, just like any regular online railway passenger. The system will be linked with the Railways' existing Passenger Reservation System (PRS), ensuring seamless access to reserved classes and quotas.

Enhanced transparency and record-keeping

Railways believes the move will improve accountability and reduce misuse of the privilege. By digitising bookings, it becomes easier to track ticket usage, cancellations, quota utilisation, and ensure that only authorised persons are availing the facility.

The portal is also expected to incorporate features like:

• Dashboard access to MPs’ travel history

• Quota-wise ticket monitoring

• E-ticket generation for travel in lieu of physical tickets

• Automated email or SMS alerts for journey updates

• Secure login tied to Parliament ID or Aadhaar verification

Officials say that the new system will include training and awareness sessions for MPs and their staff, especially those unfamiliar with online interfaces. This will ensure widespread adoption and smooth transition from the current manual mode.

A broader shift towards e-governance

This development is part of the Indian Railways’ larger vision of digitising services, particularly those related to public officials, government departments, and citizens. Over the past few years, Railways has rolled out e-catering, e-wheelchair booking, online ticketing for differently-abled passengers, and fully digitised PRS-linked Tatkal services.

This MP ticket portal is seen as a continuation of that effort and aligns with the Union Government’s broader push for e-governance and service delivery reforms across departments.

According to sources, the Railway Board has instructed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to develop and test the platform in a time-bound manner. A beta version is expected to be ready within the next few months, after which a formal rollout may take place by the end of 2025.

Stakeholders welcome the move

The proposed move has been welcomed by several current and former MPs, many of whom have long demanded an efficient and transparent system for managing travel entitlements.

“It’s a welcome step. In this digital age, MPs shouldn’t be queuing or sending staff to railway offices. An online system will make our lives easier and reduce clerical errors,” said a senior Rajya Sabha member on condition of anonymity.

There is also a belief that this initiative may encourage similar digitisation for other public representatives such as MLAs, government officials, and high-ranking civil servants.

Conclusion

With this development, the Indian Railways is once again showing its commitment to using technology to enhance public service delivery. The MP ticket booking portal, once operational, will be a landmark step in making the travel experience of Parliamentarians seamless, efficient, and transparent.

As the platform takes shape, it may also serve as a model for digitising other entitlement-based government services, further reinforcing India's journey towards a more digitally empowered governance system.

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