The Indian Railways has taken a big leap forward in tech with Swarail, its newly launched SuperApp designed to simplify the railway travel experience. Developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), Swarail is set to replace the outdated IRCTC Rail Connect app, offering a unified, modern interface for almost every railway-related need.
Now Available on Android & iOS
Although still in beta, Swarail is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can log in using their existing IRCTC credentials or create a new account.
The app features a refreshed UI and smoother user experience that addresses long-standing complaints about clunky railway booking apps.
Book Any Ticket—Reserved or Unreserved
Gone are the days of queueing at railway counters or juggling multiple apps. With Swarail, you can:
- Book reserved and unreserved tickets
- Buy platform tickets
- Select class, date, and route with ease
Once you enter the basic travel details, the app shows a train list similar to the IRCTC website, but in a much more responsive format.
Face ID, Fingerprint Login & Clean Interface
Swarail supports Face ID on iPhones and fingerprint login on Android, making it both secure and user-friendly. On launch, the home screen displays quick-access icons for major actions like:
- Checking PNR status
- Viewing coach positions
- Live tracking of trains
- Ordering food
- Filing ticket refunds
- Raising queries with railway authorities
All Your Bookings in One Place
The app includes a handy ‘My Bookings’ section where users can view all their past and upcoming journeys, eliminating the need to search for SMSes or emails.
A Hidden Gem: Large Shipment Services
For those needing to ship bulky items, Swarail offers a large shipment feature, hidden by default. To access it:
- Tap Menu > Show/Hide Services
- Enable ‘Large Shipment Services’
Once activated, new options appear under the home tab:
- Plan Shipment
- Track Shipment
- Freight Calculator
- Freight Routes & Terminals
This feature is especially useful for businesses and frequent movers.
The Future of Train Travel Is Here
With Swarail, IRCTC is finally catching up with modern app design standards. By combining nearly all railway services under one app, Indian Railways is promising a more convenient, streamlined and traveller-friendly experience—one that could revolutionize how millions interact with the railway system every day.
