Dial/SMS 139 for Indian Railway Information

Finally a good news for Non-BSNL Phone Subscribers!  The Railway Information # 139, which was available so far only on BSNL network, is now extended to all types of mobile/landline/wireless local loop (WLL) service providers.  Passengers can either call or send an SMS to the number to obtain information with regard to the PNR status, availability of berths, arrival/departure of trains and train running information. As per the Railway Release notice (DNA Newspaper, Bangalore Edition, 19-Jan-2010, Page 2) , prefixing STD code is not required to call this information cell.

Service Queries?

1) Is this service Toll-Free (both calls and SMS) from all networks?

2) How reliable/real-time is this service? Does it really works from all networks.  Please leave your comments.