The Indian Railways is in the process of creating an integrated mobile application, commonly referred to as a “super app,” consolidating various railway services into a single platform, as reported by the Economic Times. This initiative aims to simplify user experience by providing a one-stop solution for multiple railway-related tasks, ranging from ticket bookings to checking PNR status and tracking train progress.
The proposed super app will amalgamate features from existing mobile applications, including IRCTC Rail Connect, UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System), Rail Madad, and the National Train Enquiry System. This consolidation is expected to enhance convenience for users and eliminate the need to download multiple apps for distinct railway services.
The development of the super app is entrusted to the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Railways. To finance the project and operate the app for a three-year period, the Indian Railways is estimated to invest Rs. 90 crore, according to the report.
The envisioned app is designed to not only streamline current services but also enable monetization strategies, ultimately contributing to increased revenue for the railways. By integrating features from various applications, the super app may cover a wide range of services, including flight ticket booking, in-train food delivery, and ticket purchase management, providing users with a comprehensive railway-related experience.
A senior government official highlighted that the creation of this super app is in response to user feedback and aims to enhance the functionality of Indian Railways’ digital services. The goal is to improve user experience by reducing the number of downloads required to access a complete set of railway services.
While existing Indian Railways apps, such as IRCTC Rail Connect, have garnered millions of downloads, the introduction of a unified super app is anticipated to simplify access to information and tasks, making digital railway services more user-friendly and accessible to a broader audience. The consolidated app is expected to eliminate the need for users to navigate and download multiple apps for different railway-related functions, presenting a more cohesive and efficient solution for passengers.
(With inputs from agencies)