In Short
- Indian Railways has prepared a proposal to facilitate the online booking of dog-cat tickets.
- Railway officials are also considering giving the right of dog-cat ticket booking to TTE.
- Notably, passengers can only book tickets of A C-1 class trains for their pets.
By Divya BhatiIf you are a pet parent who loves to travel with your four-legged companions, you might have faced some challenges while booking tickets for them on the train. But this might change soon as Indian Railways is working to bring a solution for you. The Ministry of Railways has recently prepared a proposal to start an online ticket booking facility for pet dogs and cats. This means that you can skip the long queues at the parcel booking counters and book tickets for your pets from your home.
Earlier, pet parents had 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 were also allowed to carry their four-legged friends in a box in the second-class luggage and brake van. However, this process was very inconvenient for them. To address this issue, the Ministry of Railways is planning to start online ticket booking for pets.
The Ministry of Railways has proposed an online booking facility for pets in AC-1 class of trains. The proposal also includes giving the TTEs the power to book pets on board. The ministry hopes that this will make traveling with pets more convenient and comfortable for passengers.
A report by The Statesman reveals that the Railway board has asked CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) to make changes in the software so that the facility of online booking of animals can be started on the IRCTC website.
The report further reveals that 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.
The railways officials have said that once the online booking facility for animals starts, the TTE will also have the authority to book dog-cat tickets. The animals will be kept in the SLR coach, which is reserved for the guard. The animal owners can provide water, food, etc. to their pets at train stoppages.
However, 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 cancelled 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 is not responsible for them.
IRCTC guidelines for pet travel
If you are also travelling with your pet, you need to prepare some things in advance. First, book your ticket online and get a photocopy of it. Second, make sure your pet has all the required vaccinations and keep the certificates with you. Third, get a fitness certificate from the vet 24-48 hours before departure and carry relevant IDs. Fourth, bring water, food and a toy to keep your pet comfortable and entertained during the journey.
Here are the guidelines you should note before travelling with your pet in Indian Railways. Notably, these guidelines are regardless of whether you book the ticket from the counter or through an online facility.
- You must bring your dog to the luggage office at least three hours before the train’s departure for booking, whether you have a PRS ticket or an online ticket from IRCTC.
- You must pay the applicable baggage fees if you carry your dog with you in AC First Class or First Class coupe.
- You cannot carry your dog in AC2 tier, AC 3 tier, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, or Second-Class compartments. If other passengers complain, your dog will be moved to the guard’s van without a refund.
- You must have a certificate from a veterinarian that specifies the breed, colour, and gender of your dog for booking.
- You are solely responsible for the safe transport of your dog. You must provide water and food for your dog during the journey.
- You can carry puppies in a basket in any accommodation class.
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