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The
official said the SMS service would basically supplement the
existing facilities available in 139 and reduce the burden of the
network flooded with calls every day. The round-the-clock enquiry
service 139 is a call centre number and run by Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. Estimates suggest it receives
over 10 million calls per day.
However, the SMS service would come at a premium and would be
charged at Rs 3 per message. Railways are contemplating to incorporate
some more passenger- friendly features on the 139 platform like
booking hotel rooms etc. 'Heritage on Wheels' train may
turn into restaurant soon Recently, IRCTC had introduced 'book a taxi'
service enabling passengers to hire the taxi from their home to
the railway station by calling 139.
The official said the SMS service can be availed from all mobile
networks, except BSNL and Reliance networks where it will be available
soon. While seeking information on PNR status, one simply has to
write PNR (give space) (type PNR number) and SMS to 139.
The benefit of the SMS service is that passengers can access
information even on the move, the official said. For instance, if a
passenger wants information about his train running behind
schedule and the expected arrival at the destination, he can
type the station code or station name along with his train
number and SMS to 139. The SMS service would be available across the
country.
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