In a significant development set to reshape the travel experience for passengers across India, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). This strategic partnership is poised to revolutionize the way travelers plan and book their journeys, offering a comprehensive solution for various modes of transportation, all through a single, user-friendly platform.
Since its inception in 1999, IRCTC has undergone a remarkable evolution, cementing its reputation as a trusted entity in the fields of hospitality, travel, and tourism. With an astonishing 75% of travelers currently opting to book their rail journey tickets online through IRCTC, the organization has embarked on a pioneering venture to position itself as a one-stop destination for travel enthusiasts.
Under the terms of this MoU, MSRTC will provide IRCTC with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) of its online bus ticketing system. These APIs will be seamlessly integrated into IRCTC’s bus booking portal and mobile applications, accessible at https://www.bus.irctc.co.in. This integration is poised to empower travelers, allowing them to conveniently book MSRTC bus tickets alongside other travel arrangements, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity like never before.
Seema Kumar, CMD-IRCTC, emphasized the profound importance of this collaboration, underlining its role in elevating the overall passenger experience. She stated, “The signing of the MOU between IRCTC and MSRTC is a significant milestone in enhancing passenger experience by allowing them to simplify their travel arrangements from a single point. This integration will give passengers the advantage of seamless access to last-mile connectivity via the IRCTC Bus Booking Portal, ensuring a smooth journey.”
The precise roles and responsibilities of both IRCTC and MSRTC in the execution of this project will be meticulously outlined in the agreement. This collaborative endeavor aspires to provide travelers with an all-encompassing solution for their travel needs, encompassing rail, bus, air, sea, and even accommodation.
The formal sealing of the MoU took place with the exchange of documents between CMD-IRCTC and the Principal Secretary of Transport in the presence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde.
IRCTC remains steadfast in its commitment to making travel more comfortable and convenient for its patrons, and this MoU with MSRTC serves as a testament to that dedication. With this groundbreaking partnership, travelers can now seamlessly plan and book various modes of transportation, heralding a new era of convenience and efficiency in travel planning and booking. This collaboration promises to usher in a brighter and more connected future for travelers throughout India.
