Date:16/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/16/stories/2007061604811000.htm

Back Lalu to talk on IT opportunities in Railways

Our Bureau

Nasscom to confer special award to Railway Minister

New Delhi June 15 He has been credited with scripting the turnaround of the loss-making Indian Railways. His performance and turnaround of railway finances has become a much-discussed case study in top notch B-Schools. And now, the Railway Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad, is all set to woo IT audiences. On June 25 the Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote on `The Railways' transformation story and IT opportunities' at a Nasscom event. He would also receive, on behalf of the Indian Railways, Nasscom's special award for pioneering use of technology by Railways.

Nasscom's IT User awards acknowledges organisations in India that have implemented projects that demonstrate the benefits of IT to the enterprise. Nasscom would also be given out awards to IT users in the verticals such as BFSI, automotive, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, tourism and hospitality, media and entertainment, energy and utility, engineering, retail and telecom.

Simplified e-ticketing

The Railways has simplified the Internet-based ticket booking process significantly through e-ticket booking facility, allowing passengers to take a ticket printout after booking the ticket. The e-ticket facility, which was introduced since 2002-03, allowed the user to book a ticket through the Internet but the ticket print out was taken by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and delivered by post to the passenger.