No More IRCTC Hassles: RailOne Super App Promises One-Stop Solution for Train Travel

Indian Railways has launched a new mobile application called ‘RailOne’ to bring all railway-related services under one platform. The super app is designed to simplify the travel experience by combining ticket booking, train enquiries, food services, and passenger feedback systems into a single platform. It is now available for download on Android and iOS devices.

RailOne allows passengers to book reserved, unreserved, and platform tickets directly from the app. It also offers real-time train status updates, coach positions, PNR tracking, and access to the Rail Madad system for complaints and feedback. The app has been built with a clean and simple user interface to make navigation easy for users of all ages.

Passengers will no longer need to install separate apps for different railway services. Features from existing platforms like IRCTC Rail Connect, UTS on Mobile, Rail Madad, and NTES (National Train Enquiry System) have been integrated into this single app. This consolidation also helps reduce mobile storage use and avoids the hassle of remembering multiple passwords.

Easy Login and Secure Access

RailOne features a single-sign-on system, allowing users to log in using their credentials from Rail Connect or UTSonMobile. New users can register quickly with minimal details. The app also supports mPIN and biometric login for added security. For basic enquiries, even guest users can access the app using OTP verification.

An e-wallet called R-Wallet is also part of the RailOne app. This enables users to manage their funds within the app for quicker transactions. The app is designed to make railway services more accessible and reduce dependency on external ticketing platforms.

Major Changes in Train Ticket Booking

Alongside the RailOne launch, Indian Railways is also bringing three major changes to the ticket booking system. These include early chart preparation, verified tatkal bookings, and a new reservation infrastructure expected to roll out by December 2025.

Charting Process to be Done Earlier

Currently, final reservation charts are prepared four hours before train departure. However, Indian Railways plans to extend this to eight hours before departure. For trains leaving before 2 PM, charts will now be finalized by 9 PM the previous night. This change will help passengers get earlier clarity on their seat status and reduce last-minute confusion.

Tatkal Bookings Only for Verified Users

From July 1, 2025, only verified users will be allowed to book tatkal tickets. This means passengers must authenticate themselves using Aadhaar or DigiLocker documents. OTP verification will be mandatory, with full implementation expected by the end of July. The move aims to prevent misuse and ensure genuine travellers get access to last-minute tickets.

New Reservation System by Year-End

A major upgrade to the passenger reservation system is also on the way. The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is working on a revamped system that will be able to process up to 1.5 lakh bookings per minute and manage around 4 million enquiries per minute. The new system will support multiple Indian languages and have dedicated features for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), students, and patients.