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Our Bureau

Need to have Java-enabled handsets; should be able to access the Internet

New Delhi March 15 Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched IRCTCmobile, a graphical interactive interface for booking train tickets, for mobile phone users. However, for using this application, mobile users need to have Java-enabled handsets (to view graphics) and should be able to access the Internet. The application is based on a patented technology of Mr Sam Pitroda's US-based firm C-SAM.

IRCTC already offers the option of ticket booking through mobile phones using instant voice response and text messages, but they are not based on graphical user interfaces.

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Once users install the new application, they can check availability of tickets, book tickets using credit and cash cards, check fare and train details between two stations, check ticket details and view route.

Currently, this facility can be used to book i-tickets only — thus tickets will be delivered to the postal address given by the user during booking. IRCTC plans to enable e-tickets - wherein passengers can take a print out of the ticket at their own end — in subsequent phases through this application.

However, IRCTC declined to share the details of how much it would pay for the application — whether through fixed charges, or a revenue share per user. When contacted, the IRCTC Managing Director, Dr P.K. Goel, declined to comment citing non-disclosure agreement.

In a statement, IRCTC said, IRCTCmobile is a mobile ticketing application and will operate on Java-enabled handsets having GPRS connection.

IRCTCmobile has a rich and intuitive user interface, and has been developed by Mr Sam Pitroda based on its secure and patented mobile transaction platform (MTP), it added.

IRCTC's registered users need to download IRCTCmobile by sending a text message to IRCTC. In response to this, IRCTC will send a WAP push message containing the Web site address for downloading IRCTCmobile. By accepting the message, IRCTCmobile gets downloaded and installed.

The IRCTC MD stated, "With the proliferation of the mobile as a ubiquitous device, this initiative shall enable IRCTC to reach further to the masses. IRCTC's association with C-SAM shall provide a booking experience similar to the existing Web-based booking.

IRCTCmobile shall be available for all service providers including telecom firms and banks to make it available to their customers. Irrespective of the mobile operators, the end-users will be able to book tickets using this application, he added.

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