Railway Ministry's New App ‘Swarail’ Now Available on Android
Indian Railways has launched a modern and comprehensive mobile application named ‘Swarail’ through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), aiming to provide improved and technologically advanced services to passengers. Quietly introduced a few months ago, the app has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and is being referred to as a "super app." Its key feature lies in unifying nearly all services previously offered by IRCTC into a single platform. Compared to the older IRCTC Rail Connect app, Swarail has been designed with several advanced features and a more modern interface.
The ‘Swarail’ app is currently available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Although still in its beta stage, users can log in using their existing IRCTC Rail Connect account details or create a new account.
Through the Swarail app, passengers can effortlessly book reserved, unreserved, and platform tickets without needing to stand in long queues. To book a reserved or unreserved ticket, users need to select the appropriate option, enter journey start and destination details, date of travel, and class. Upon tapping the 'Search' button, the app displays a list of available trains just like the IRCTC website.
Swarail is not limited to ticket booking alone. It features a significantly upgraded interface compared to previous railway apps, allowing users to access desired services more quickly and efficiently with fewer clicks. Much like many banking applications, the app offers biometric login options—Face ID for iPhone users and fingerprint sensor for Android users.
From the app’s home screen, users can search for trains, check PNR status, locate their coach position, track train movements, order food, seek assistance from railway officials, provide feedback, and apply for ticket refunds—all with a single tap. This eliminates the need to install multiple apps or navigate complex interfaces. For frequent travelers who face challenges in managing bookings, the "My Bookings" section allows them to view past and upcoming railway bookings with ease.
A notable feature of the app is the facility for transporting large shipments. The “Large Shipment Services” feature can be activated by tapping the menu button at the bottom of the app, selecting “Show/Hide Services” from the right-side bar, and toggling the "Large Shipment Services" option. After activation, the Home tab displays new options such as Plan Shipment, Track Shipment, Freight Calculator, Freight Terminals, and Freight Routes. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently need to send luggage from one location to another.