Indian Railways is set to introduce a new online booking facility for pet dogs and cats that will make it easier for pet parents to take their four-legged companions on a train journey. The proposal, which is currently under review, aims to provide a more convenient and comfortable travel experience for passengers who want to travel with their pets.
The Ministry of Railways has proposed an online ticket-booking facility for pet parents who want to travel with their pets on trains. This new online booking facility will allow pet parents to skip the long queues at the parcel booking counters and book tickets for their pets from the comfort of their homes.
Currently, pet parents have to book 1st Class AC tickets, cabins, or coupes, and reserve the whole coupe by visiting the parcel booking counters on the platform on the day of travel. Passengers are also allowed to carry their four-legged friends in a box in the second-class luggage and brake van. However, this process is very inconvenient for pet parents.
Under the new proposal, the Ministry of Railways plans to start online ticket booking for pets in AC-1 class of trains. The proposal also includes giving the TTEs the power to book pets on board. The animals will be kept in the SLR coach, which is reserved for the guard. Pet owners can provide water, food, etc. to their pets at train stoppages.
According to a report by The Statesman, the Railway Board has asked CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) to make changes in the software so that the facility for online booking of animals can be started on the IRCTC website. With the online service, railway passengers will be able to book animal tickets online on the IRCTC website using their mobile or computer after the first chart of the train is prepared. However, this will only be possible if the passenger’s ticket is confirmed.
It is important to note that there are some conditions for booking animal tickets online. The passenger’s ticket must be confirmed. If the passenger cancels the ticket, no refund will be given for the animal ticket. If the train is canceled or delayed by more than three hours, the animal ticket fee will not be refunded either. Only the passenger’s ticket will be refunded.
The official also said that large domestic animals such as horses, cows, buffaloes, etc. are booked and transported in goods trains. They must have a person to take care of them during the journey. The owner is liable for any damage to the animals. The Railways are not responsible for them.
In conclusion, this new online booking facility for pets will be a game-changer for pet parents who want to travel with their four-legged companions. It will make train travel more accessible, convenient, and comfortable for pet owners, who will no longer have to worry about the hassle of booking tickets for their pets. With this new proposal, Indian Railways is taking a step towards being a more pet-friendly mode of transportation.
