Indian Railways has stepped into the 'superapp' arena with the launch of 'RailOne.' Flagged off by Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, this new application aims to be a single digital point for a range of public-facing services offered by the ministry.
It's designed to streamline various passenger-related functions, moving towards a more integrated user experience.
The RailOne app is being presented as a comprehensive solution, potentially consolidating services such as reserved ticket booking, PNR enquiries, requests for ticket refunds, and even the option to order food while on a train journey.
The app is readily available for download on both Android and iOS devices. For those who might recall, RailOne is the final version of the 'SwaRail' app, which was previously in a beta testing phase launched in February.
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is behind the development of the RailOne superapp. It's offered as a free download through the Google Play Store for Android users and the App Store for iOS users.
While Indian Railways previously maintained various separate applications for specific services, this new superapp suggests a move towards bringing these functionalities under one digital roof.
RailOne helps users to book reserved, unreserved, and even platform tickets. The app also includes features that allow users to enquire about freight and parcel deliveries, track the status of their PNR, and check the coach position at a specific railway station.
Beyond booking and general enquiries, the superapp also reportedly offers real-time train tracking. This feature could provide live updates on expected arrival times, potential delays, and other crucial information, potentially assisting users in planning their journeys more effectively, as per information from the Ministry of Railways.
Furthermore, the superapp provides access to 'Rail Madad', a service that allows users to raise and track complaints for resolution or submit feedback directly to Indian Railways. For those who enjoy a meal on their journey, food ordering services are also accessible via the RailOne superapp, allowing passengers to book meals from partner vendors while on board.
In addition to ticket bookings, RailOne also includes the functionality for users to request refunds for cancelled or missed journeys through the app. A notable inclusion is the integration of R-Wallet, a digital wallet intended for convenient payment for services within the app.
The ministry indicates that the app supports multiple languages and features a single sign-on (SSO) system. This SSO system suggests that RailOne credentials could potentially be used to log in to other associated applications like IRCTC RailConnect and UTS Mobile App. Users may also have various login methods, including biometric authentication or m-PIN.