Railway Ministry launches RailOne app to ease ticket booking
RailOne – Indian Railways’ Super App
1. Context & Relevance
- What: Launch of RailOne, an all-in-one app consolidating Indian Railways passenger services.
- When: 1 July 2025 by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- Why it matters:
- Enhances digital governance and passenger convenience.
- Supports financial inclusion via integrated R-Wallet and online ticketing.
- Streamlines services, reducing dependency on multiple apps (IRCTC, UTS, RailConnect).
Prelims angle: Launch date, app name, key features, related government initiatives.
Mains angle: Digitalization in transport sector, public service efficiency, AI & tech in governance.
2. Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Integration | Consolidates all passenger services: ticket booking, live tracking, grievance redressal, e-catering, porter booking, last-mile taxi services. |
| Discounts | 3% discount on unreserved & platform tickets. |
| Login | Single sign-on via mPIN, biometrics, supports RailConnect & UTS credentials. |
| R-Wallet | Integrated railway e-wallet for transactions. |
| App Store Availability | Android Play Store, iOS App Store. |
| PRS Upgrade | Agile, multilingual, scalable: handles 1.5 lakh ticket bookings & 40 lakh enquiries per minute. |
| Inclusion | Advanced options for divyangjan, students, patients. |
3. Major Changes in Railways (from July 1, 2025)
- Aadhaar-verified IRCTC IDs mandatory for tatkal & emergency bookings to curb misuse.
- Reservation chart prepared 8 hours before train departure (earlier 4 hours).
- Fare revision:
- Non-AC Mail & Express: ₹0.01/km increase
- AC class: ₹0.02/km increase
- No change for suburban fares, short-distance second class (<500 km), or monthly season tickets.
4. Stakeholders
- Ministry of Railways: Policy, launch, PRS upgrade oversight.
- CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems): App development, PRS modernization.
- IRCTC: Ticketing integration & authorization.
- Passengers: Beneficiaries of convenience, discounts, and accessibility.
5. Significance
- Digital Governance & E-Governance: Consolidates multiple services under one digital platform.
- Passenger Convenience: Simplified access, single-login, and live services.
- Financial & Digital Inclusion: R-Wallet, biometric login, Aadhaar verification.
- Operational Efficiency: Scalable PRS system handles massive bookings & enquiries.
- Accessibility & Inclusivity: Features for divyangjan, students, patients.
- Prevention of Misuse: Aadhaar-linked tatkal prevents bulk booking by agents.
Updated - July 01, 2025 10:35 pm | The Hindu