What to Expect After Chart Preparation by IRCTC: Next Steps and Important Updates
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, commonly known as IRCTC, plays a crucial role in the successful management of train ticket reservations in India. Once your chart is prepared, a series of important steps and updates follow. In this article, we will discuss the next steps, including the SMS notification you can expect, confirmation of waiting list and RAC tickets, and the IRCTC refund process.
What Happens After Chart Preparation?
A chart is prepared by IRCTC after your train ticket reservation is finalized. After the chart is prepared, the first step you can anticipate is an automated SMS notification sent to the mobile number registered with your account. This SMS will inform you that your ticket chart is prepared, outlining the details of your seat, such as the coach and class in which your seat is allocated based on your ticket booking.
Important Notifications from IRCTC
A confirmation SMS will be sent to the registered mobile number: 'Your ticket chart is prepared. Your seat is in Coach XYZ, Class ABC as per your ticket booking is booked.' For waiting list and RAC tickets, the SMS will notify: 'Your waiting list or RAC ticket is confirmed. Your seat is in Coach XYZ, Class ABC as per your ticket booking is booked.'However, it's important to note that tickets in the waiting list that remain unfulfilled after the chart preparation will be automatically cancelled. Any sum refunded to the passenger's respective bank account will initiate the process. It's equally significant to be aware that tickets issued from the counter with a waiting list status will not be cancelled after the chart preparation.
What to Do Next?
Once you receive the confirmation SMS from IRCTC stating that your ticket chart is prepared, you should follow these additional steps to ensure smooth travel:
Verify Your Reservation Details
It's crucial to review the reservation details provided in the SMS. Ensure that the coach, class, and seat number match the information posted on the IRCTC website or mobile application. Comparing these details will help prevent any last-minute confusion.
Visit IRCTC Website or App
Log in to your IRCTC account or visit the official website to review the updated reservation details. This step is essential to ensure that any changes or updates are reflected accurately.
Check Status Regularly
Keep an eye on your reservation status. IRCTC sends regular updates via SMS, and it's a good practice to check your status through the website or mobile app.
IRCTC Refund Process for Canceled Tickets
When your ticket is in the waiting list and it gets cancelled post-chart preparation, IRCTC initiates the refund process. Here's what you can expect:
Refund Initiation
The first step in the refund process is the automatic cancellation of the ticket. IRCTC will then operate its systems to initiate the refund to the passenger's respective bank account. The refund process may take a few days to complete, depending on the bank's processing time.
Refund Confirmation
Once the refund is confirmed, you will receive another SMS notification from IRCTC: 'Refund of INR X.XX for your train ticket has been initiated to your bank account.'
It's important to monitor your bank account for the refund and ensure that the amount is correctly recorded. If you do not receive the refund or if there are discrepancies, you can contact IRCTC customer service for assistance.
Conclusion
The chart preparation by IRCTC marks a significant step in the process of booking your train tickets. After chart preparation, a series of important alerts and updates follow, including SMS notifications, confirmation of waiting list and RAC tickets, and the IRCTC refund process for cancelled tickets. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you navigate these updates smoothly and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.