Archive · 15 Sep 2026
GPT-6 Astra Tests Mumbai-Rajkot IRCTC Train Booking
Manthan Jethwani made a video testing whether an AI could book a train ticket.
He asked it to search for a trip from Mumbai to Rajkot.
The trip was for two people in AC class on September 20, between 9 p.m.
and 11 p.m.
The AI searched IRCTC and found trains that were waitlisted.
It then checked the next day after Manthan told it to continue.
The AI reportedly filled in much of the booking information.
One report said Manthan still had to pay.
Another report said the ticket was successfully booked, but gave no details proving how the payment and booking were completed.
The demonstration led people to debate how useful AI could be for real-world tasks.
Content creator Manthan Jethwani tested GPT-6 Astra by asking it to find a Mumbai-to-Rajkot train.
The request specified September 20, travel between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., and AC class for two passengers.
The AI reportedly navigated IRCTC, but the first account said the available trains were waitlisted.
After Jethwani asked it to continue, Astra searched the following day and filled in booking details.
Reports differ on the outcome: one said payment remained for the user, while another claimed the ticket was completed without providing booking or payment details.
- Who
- Content creator Manthan Jethwani and the AI identified as GPT-6 Astra, also called ChatGPT Astra.
- What
- A test of whether the AI could search for and complete an IRCTC train-ticket booking.
- When
- The requested journey was for September 20, with an additional search for the following day; no year was specified.
- Where
- The booking was attempted through IRCTC for travel from Mumbai to Rajkot.
- Why
- Jethwani was testing whether an AI assistant could carry out a booking rather than merely explain how to do it.
Supporters of the demonstration
Skeptics and commenters
AI’s ability to act
Supporters of the demonstration
The demonstration reportedly showed Astra navigating IRCTC, searching an alternative date, entering booking information, and possibly completing the ticket.
Skeptics and commenters
The evidence is limited because one account said the process stopped at payment, while another offered no details about the ticket or payment.
Everyday usefulness
Supporters of the demonstration
The test suggests AI assistants may increasingly perform tasks instead of merely giving users instructions.
Skeptics and commenters
Users questioned whether the system could handle harder situations, such as Diwali or Tatkal bookings, and whether it would help with unrelated real-world problems.
Extent of automation
Supporters of the demonstration
The AI reportedly moved through most of the booking process and reached, or allegedly passed, the payment stage.
Skeptics and commenters
At least one account said the user still had to make the payment, and the available information does not establish that every IRCTC booking can be completed this way.
- Requester
- Manthan Jethwani
- AI assistant
- GPT-6 Astra, also referred to as ChatGPT Astra
- Route
- Mumbai to Rajkot
- Requested date
- September 20, with the following day also searched
- Travel window
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Passengers and class
- Two passengers in AC class
- Reported outcome
- Accounts conflict: one said payment remained for the user, while another claimed the ticket was completed without providing booking details
