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RailOne App Launched: All-in-One SuperApp by Indian Railways

AN

Anjali Arora

Jul, 2025

4 min read

Why in News?

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On the occasion of the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), the Union Railway Minister launched a new mobile application, RailOne, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Why Cover This Topic for UPSC?

  • Relevant for Prelims under Government Schemes & Apps.
  • Highlights Digital Initiatives in Indian Railways.
  • Important for Science & Tech and Infrastructure in GS-3.
  • Reflects efforts towards Digital Governance and Public Service Delivery.

RailOne App: A Step Towards Integrated Railway Services

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On the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) under the Ministry of Railways, the government launched the RailOne App, marking a major stride in digital public service delivery.

The primary objective behind RailOne is to enhance the digital interface, provide seamless access to rail services, and eliminate the need for multiple apps for different railway-related functions.

Key Features of the RailOne App

Designed as a one-stop platform, the app offers easy access to:

1. Integrated Passenger Services

The app brings together multiple services in one place, including:

  • Unreserved ticket booking (UTS)
  • Live train tracking
  • E-catering and food delivery
  • Porter booking
  • Last-mile taxi services

This integration simplifies the user experience and enhances service accessibility.

2. Digital Ticketing with Benefits

Passengers can book unreserved tickets through R-Wallet, offering a 3% discount and promoting cashless transactions and faster ticketing.

3. Unified Login System

Users can access all services using:

  • mPIN
  • Biometric authentication
  • Existing UTS or RailConnect credentials

This ensures a smooth and secure login experience.

4. Space-Saving Utility

By combining the features of multiple railway-related apps, RailOne eliminates the need to install separate applications, saving space and reducing confusion.

5. Efficient Grievance Redressal

The app allows passengers to lodge and track complaints via the Rail Madad portal, making grievance redressal faster and more transparent.

6. Officially Integrated with IRCTC

RailOne is authorised by IRCTC, similar to other commercial apps, and is directly connected to the official ticketing and railway services ecosystem.

This feature-rich platform aligns with India’s digital governance goals and contributes to enhancing public service delivery. 

How RailOne App Enhances Passenger Convenience

“The principle of Minimum Government – Maximum Governance is bridging the gap between the government and people, system and facilities, problems and solutions.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The RailOne App is a clear reflection of this governance model, simplifying systems, removing bureaucratic layers, and making railway services faster, more accessible, and citizen-centric. It brings together essential services into a single digital platform, reducing dependency on physical infrastructure or multiple apps. Here’s how it benefits passengers:

  • One App, Many Services: From reserved/unreserved ticket booking to PNR enquiry, live tracking, food delivery, and complaint redressal, all in one platform.
  • Faster, Smarter Ticketing: Book unreserved tickets via R-Wallet and enjoy discounts without standing in queues.
  • Efficient Journey Planning: Access real-time train information, live status, and travel history to plan better.
  • Inclusive Design: Multilingual interface, biometric login, and tailored features for Divyangjan, students, and patients.
  • Integrated Grievance Redressal: Raise and track complaints easily with the Rail Madad feature.
  • Travel Made Comfortable: E-catering, porter booking, and last-mile taxi options enhance onboard and station-side experience.

By aligning with the Digital India mission, RailOne bridges the gap between citizens and essential public services.

CRIS: Centre for Railway Information Systems

Founded: 01 July 1986
Headquarters: New Delhi
Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India

CRIS is responsible for developing and maintaining software systems for Indian Railways in critical operational areas such as:

  • Passenger ticketing
  • Freight operations
  • Train dispatching and control
  • Crew management
  • E-procurement systems

CRIS represents a unique collaboration between skilled IT professionals and experienced Railway personnel, allowing it to successfully deliver complex and mission-critical IT solutions across core railway functions.

Also cover this important current topic here: Bharat Forecast System: Launch, Objectives & Key Details

What Lies Ahead: A Modern PRS for a Digital Railway Future

The Union Railway Minister also outlined the ambitious roadmap for Indian Railways' digital transformation, with the Modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS) at its core.

The new PRS, expected to be fully operational by December 2025, represents a significant upgrade to the existing system. It is being designed to be:

  • Agile, to adapt to future demands
  • Multilingual, catering to India's linguistic diversity
  • Highly Scalable, capable of handling:
    • 1.5 lakh ticket bookings per minute
    • 40 lakh enquiries per minute

This next-generation PRS will enhance user experience through:

  • Advanced seat selection options
  • Fare calendar functionalities
  • Inclusive booking features for Divyangjan, students, patients, and other special categories

These efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming Indian Railways into the growth engine of India’s “Vikas Yatra”.

What is the Passenger Reservation System (PRS)?

The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) is a computerized system used by Indian Railways to facilitate the booking and management of reserved train tickets across the country. Key Functions of PRS:

  • Booking of Reserved Tickets (online and offline)
  • Seat/Berth Allotment in trains
  • Generation of PNR (Passenger Name Record)
  • Cancellation and Refund Processing
  • Enquiries like seat availability, train schedules, and fare details

The PRS is developed and maintained by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), under the Ministry of Railways.

Way Forward

As Indian Railways welcomes smarter, inclusive, and scalable digital solutions like RailOne and the upcoming modern PRS, the focus must remain on accessibility, integration, and innovation. Strengthening digital infrastructure while ensuring user-friendly interfaces will be key to making public services efficient and empowering. 

For aspirants, this development reflects a larger trend in governance, where technology acts as a bridge between the state and citizens, a theme relevant for Mains and Interview. 

⏲ Practice Time

Mains Practice Question: “Digital interventions in transport are no longer optional but essential.” In light of the upcoming Modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS), discuss how scalable digital systems can revolutionize public infrastructure. (250 words, 15 marks)

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UPSC Prelims Practice MCQs

QUESTION 1

Medium

With reference to the newly launched RailOne App by Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

  1. It integrates services like reserved ticket booking, grievance redressal, and food ordering on trains.
  2. The app allows booking of unreserved tickets with a discount if paid via R-Wallet.
  3. It replaces IRCTC as the official platform for ticket booking.

QUESTION 2

Easy

The Passenger Reservation System (PRS), often seen in the news, is:

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