UTS - New app to book unreserved tickets
Indian Railways has launched a new app that helps you book unreserved tickets from the comforts of your home. Let us understand the concept and the process here.
Railways has always been the most preferred mode of travel for Indians. A large number of travelers opt for the unreserved tickets. So far, standing in a queue for the ticket had been a nightmare because of the crowd. Now, with Railway ministry coming up with this unique concept of booking your unreserved railway ticket via mobile app has come as a blessing in disguise. Unreserved Tickets - What Do They Mean?
An unreserved ticket is similar to a normal fare ticket except that it does not offer a reserved seat or berth. An estimated twenty one million travelers make use of this mode of booking tickets. This facility is used mainly by suburban travelers and other commuters over shorter distances where you will not expect or need an assured seat. Besides, it is also used by low income groups traveling long distances. One has to buy these tickets at the booking counters at the stations. It has always been a hassle for the travelers to get the ticket because of the long queues and crowd. The New UTS Mobile App
Till now, only reserved tickets could be booked via IRCTC website, or at the booking agents. As for the unreserved category, there was no technology driven solution available. One had to stand at the long queues to get these tickets.
Not anymore, Railways has identified this gap and has come up with a dedicated mobile app for the purpose of booking an unreserved ticket. The new app UTS has been developed and is available for Android and Windows Phone. Developed by CRIS- Centre For Railway Information Services - the new app has been launched on pilot basis for Mumbai and Chennai suburban train travelers. More stations will be added in due course. How To Use UTS App?
You will need to register yourself for the service with your mobile number. You will also need to have any authorised identity document. A wide list of such documents are accepted including Aadhaar card, Driving licence , PAN card etc. Once registered with these documents, you will receive an OTP - One Time Password - to authorise your registration. 
Post registration, an eWallet will be created for you. Follow the on screen instructions to create your default profile. This eWallet is used to make payment for the tickets booked. The eWallet needs to be recharged as per your needs. You have the option of recharging it at booking counters. You can also recharge your eWallet on IRCTC website using a debit/ credit card. Once you successfully create your profile, an SMS will be sent you with the password to access the app. 
Services Available On UTS App
The app features the following services -
1. Quick Booking - If you have created frequent travel routes in your profile, you can use this feature to make quicker bookings.
2. Normal Booking - Use this option to book normal tickets to any route. Please note that the service is currently available for Mumbai and Chennai suburban trains.
3. Cancel Ticket - You can cancel the ticket if you have not yet taken the print out.
4. Booking History - This will give you the history of all the bookings done via the app.
5. Profile - You can change/manage your profile here. This menu will also help you access your eWallet.Making Payment For Booked Tickets
Once you register for the service, an eWallet - dubbed as RWallet - will be created. This Rwallet is linked to your mobile number. You need to top up the wallet at the booking counters or via https://www.utsonmobile.indianrail.gov.in/ using debit/credit card. On successful booking of your ticket, the amount will be deducted from your Rwallet balance.
There is no need to take a printout of the ticket booked. You can show the softcopy on the cellphone to the TTE. One must agree that it is a great step towards paperless ticketing.Final Thoughts
Indian Railways has come up with this unique concept keeping in line with digital India campaign. Though the app is currently functional on a pilot basis, it will soon be extended to additional stations. Such innovative ideas should always be welcomed and one can agree to the fact that this is a stepping stone towards eGovernance. So, head over to Play Store or windows Store to explore the benefits of paperless ticketing.
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The app has received a new update a couple of days ago. A true paperless ticket has been introduced. The app now features a "Show Ticket" option within itself. Your booked tickets will be available here. You just need to show this to the TTE. No need to carry a printed ticket anymore. Must say, truly environment friendly.