Recently, the online ticket reservation and management system of the India Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has failed, affecting thousands of passengers. Although the social media claimed it to be down for maintenance, the duration it pulled out the service was during the peak hours of Tatkal bookings, hence the criticisms that followed.
Some passengers who used the platform frequently for last-minute bookings were left stranded and complained bitterly on social media. Some people complained about the timing of the maintenance work, asking why such important work could not be done during off-peak times only.
Another angry user stated, “What has happened to the IRCTC website now – it goes down at the time of Tatkal only!! Why are we considering constructing a bullet train when all we can manage is a booking system?” One said, “India has gone to the moon, and this application IRCTC app is not functioning properly when we try Tatkal bookings. And it’s already 2024, so everyone should have a permanent server by now, right?
People on social media began sharing screenshots with the erroneous message appearing on the app. The message included, “Because of some maintenance activity, e-ticketing service will not be accessible.” Please try later.” In an effort to deal with cancellations during that time, the IRCTC offered a couple of helpline numbers, which failed to calm the annoyed users.
It has generated discords on the stability of digital systems within India and its ability to support that framework. Since millions of people rely on IRCTC for rail travelling services, users are now calling for accountability and better measures that will ensure the future of similar disruptions does not happen again. This article is a grim wake-up call for the country to adopt the need for efficient technological architecture to complement its modern needs.
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