IRCTC’s SwaRail App: Top 6 Features Every Train Traveller Should Know
The Indian Railways has always been the lifeline of the nation—connecting remote corners, bustling cities, and everything in between. In a major digital leap, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched its most advanced travel app yet—SwaRail. Developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), this new app is designed to act as a “SuperApp”, consolidating various services that were previously spread across multiple IRCTC platforms.
Available now in beta testing mode on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the SwaRail app represents a fresh, modern take on railway travel in India.
What is the SwaRail App?
SwaRail is a next-generation mobile application built to simplify train travel for millions of daily commuters and long-distance passengers. From booking tickets to ordering food and tracking parcels, this single app offers it all. It replaces and upgrades the older IRCTC Rail Connect app, bringing a much-needed revamp to the digital travel ecosystem.
Passengers can log in using existing IRCTC credentials or register anew with just basic personal details.
Top 6 Features of IRCTC’s SwaRail App
Here’s a deep dive into the six key features that make SwaRail a must-have for every train traveller:
1. 🎟️ Unified Ticket Booking (Reserved + Unreserved)
No need to juggle between multiple apps anymore. Whether you’re planning a long-distance journey with reserved seating or hopping on a local unreserved passenger train, SwaRail enables both types of bookings directly from one platform.
Key Benefit:
Get real-time availability, instant booking, and e-tickets stored within the app.
2. 🎫 Platform Ticket Purchase
Want to enter the station to see someone off or receive a passenger? SwaRail allows users to buy platform tickets digitally, eliminating the need to stand in long queues at ticket counters.
Use Case:
Perfect for elderly or differently-abled users who wish to avoid physical ticket counters.
3. 📦 Parcel & Freight Tracking Services
From personal parcels to commercial consignments, users can now check detailed information on parcel bookings, freight rates, and tracking statuses.
Pro Tip:
This is especially useful for small business owners and logistics managers looking for a more transparent freight tracking system.
4. 🚂 Live Train Status & PNR Tracking
Stay updated with real-time train running status, platform numbers, and PNR (Passenger Name Record) status—all in one place.
Feature Highlight:
No need to visit third-party apps or websites like NTES or other portals. SwaRail does it all.
5. 🍱 Food Delivery at Your Train Seat
SwaRail supports on-seat food ordering, making journeys more comfortable. Collaborating with local and national food vendors, passengers can order meals and have them delivered at upcoming stations.
Food Options:
Includes vegetarian, Jain, regional cuisines, and even fast food options from brands like Haldiram’s and Domino’s (availability varies by station).
6. 🛠️ Rail Madad: Complaint Management System
Facing a hygiene issue in your coach? Missing linen or broken seats? SwaRail integrates Rail Madad, a complaint redressal system that lets users file and track grievances in real time.
Advantage:
Expect faster response times, automated updates, and issue resolution tracking.
How To Use the SwaRail App?
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time train user, getting started with the SwaRail app is effortless. Here’s a quick guide:
🔧 Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- Download the App
Head to the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) and search for ‘SwaRail – IRCTC’. - Login or Register
- Existing users of IRCTC Rail Connect or UTS can use their existing credentials.
- New users can tap on “Register” and provide basic info like mobile number, name, and email.
- Explore the Dashboard
Navigate through the modern UI to:- Book tickets (Reserved/Unreserved)
- Purchase platform tickets
- Order food
- Lodge complaints
- View upcoming and past bookings
- Enable Biometrics for Quick Login
SwaRail supports Face ID (iOS) and Fingerprint Login (Android), offering secure and instant access.
What Makes SwaRail Better Than Older Railway Apps?
Unlike previous apps that were fragmented, glitchy, or lacked modern features, SwaRail is intuitive, responsive, and unifies all services. Here’s what sets it apart:
- All-in-One Access: From train info to food and complaints.
- Modern UI/UX: Clean interface inspired by banking apps.
- Secure Login: Biometric support ensures safety.
- Efficient Navigation: Fewer clicks, faster task completion.
Who Should Use the SwaRail App?
This app is ideal for:
- Frequent railway travellers
- Senior citizens
- Business commuters
- Railway parcel customers
- Students and daily passengers
- Logistics & travel managers
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Final Verdict: Is the SwaRail App Worth Downloading?
Absolutely. With India’s growing push towards digitisation, IRCTC’s SwaRail app is a game-changer in the way passengers interact with railway services. It is not just an upgrade but a complete overhaul aimed at improving travel efficiency, comfort, and convenience.
As Indian Railways continues modernizing its infrastructure, SwaRail is a bold step forward, putting passenger experience at the center of its digital transformation.
