Indian travellers to Europe will soon be able to book rail tickets and passes for trains in Europe in Indian currency using their credit cards.

The facility will be provided by Rail Europe, the European railway major which has railway service covering almost the entire Europe. The company is also in talks with the Indian railways to allow mutual access to their ticket booking system. This would enable the passengers to book tickets for trains abroad, through the website using their credit cards. Thus, passengers booking for trains in India will also be able to book tickets for trains in Europe and vice versa.

Stating the market potential, Florence Pasquier, sales director for Asia, Rail Europe, said, "Markets like Australia, Japan, South America and New Zealand are interested in Indian Railways and have been seeking information about luxury trains here."

"We would like links to maximum luxury trains like the Deccan Odyssey and Palace on Wheels," she added.

Gopi Iengar, Executive Director of Rail Europe India, said that the company is in talks with the Indian railways to allow booking of Indian trains through their website by January 2010. He also indicated that the company is working to allow Indian passengers to book European trips through their existing website.