The Indian Railways is developing a new app to cater to all train travel-related queries. According to a report by Firstpost, this app is likely to be called HindRail and will incorporate most of the existing railway’s apps.
This app will be designed to work as a complete inquiry system providing information on arrivals, departures, delays, cancellations, platform number, running status and berth availability.
As per the Firstpost report, it will also offer booking of taxis, porter services, retiring rooms, hotels, tour packages, e-catering and other travel-related needs.
And all the services the Railways offer from service providers over its app will be on a revenue-sharing model. This app is therefore being seen as a revenue-generating vehicle for the Indian Railways. It is slated to have a potential of generating Rs 100-crore every year.
Speaking with Firstpost, Mohd Jamshed, Railway Board member (traffic) says that the new app wil address all complaints it receives from passengers about not getting reliable information on the train’s running status.
“The new app will be launched in June and it will not only give you information, you can also track trains through it,” he added.
There are several existing apps like IRCTC Rail Connect, Indian Rail info, National Train Enquiry System (NTES), including one for complaints.
The Indian Railways has been working aggressively to improve its services, including a number of SMS-based services for inquiries, complaints and even cleaning services while on a journey.
In the proposed app, all these apps will be combined. While the name has not been decided yet, Firstpost says that it is likely to be HindRail. However, other names like MeriRail, ERail, MyRail and Rail Anubhuti are also being considered.
Image: Belur Ashok