November 6, 2024: In a bid to revolutionize travel experiences for millions of railway passengers, Indian Railways is preparing to launch a comprehensive "super app" that will integrate multiple services into a single, easy-to-use platform. This ambitious initiative aims to streamline everything from ticket bookings to real-time train tracking, making it easier for passengers to access all the services they need during their journey.
The new app, being developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) in collaboration with IRCTC's existing infrastructure, will consolidate several services that were previously spread across different platforms. These services include platform passes, train ticket bookings, food ordering, unreserved ticketing, real-time train status, and much more. By combining all these features into one application, Indian Railways hopes to enhance the overall convenience and efficiency of the passenger experience.
Currently, railway passengers have to use different apps for different services. For example, IRCTC Rail Connect is used for ticketing, IRCTC eCatering for meal orders, Rail Madad for customer feedback, and the National Train Enquiry System for live train tracking. The new "super app" seeks to eliminate the need for multiple applications, making the entire railway experience more seamless and user-friendly.
While the app will bring all services under one umbrella, IRCTC will continue to be the primary interface through which passengers will access these features. The development of the app is still ongoing, with officials working towards creating a cohesive platform that meets the needs of millions of railway users across India.
In parallel with this technological development, Indian Railways has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to enhance the safety, security, and operational efficiency of the railway system. As part of this partnership, IIT Delhi researchers will collaborate with CRIS on a series of research and development projects aimed at improving key areas such as scheduling, intermodal connectivity, revenue optimization, and safety measures.
Faculty members from IIT Delhi's Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Management Studies will bring interdisciplinary expertise to the table, working on innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing Indian Railways today. The partnership is expected to yield cutting-edge advancements that will not only make train travel safer but also improve the overall operational efficiency of the Indian Railways network.