The Indian Railways has launched a cutting-edge app, RailOne, with the aim to enhance user experience with rail journey. This all-in-one app aims to provide an easy to use interface while providing all necessary services to passengers.
About RailOne App
- The RailOne app, developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), is a unified platform offering a wide range of passenger services.
- Designed to simplify the travel experience, the app provides features such as a 3% discount on unreserved and platform tickets, live train tracking, grievance redressal, e-catering, porter booking, and last-mile taxi services, all in one place.
- While reserved ticket bookings will continue to be handled by IRCTC, the app has been officially authorised by IRCTC, ensuring seamless coordination between platforms.
- RailOne supports single sign-on with login options via mPIN or biometrics, and it is compatible with existing RailConnect and UTS credentials.
- UTS is Indian Railways’ official app for booking unreserved tickets. By merging multiple services into a single interface, RailOne helps users save space on their devices, eliminating the need to install multiple apps.
About Indian Railways
- Indian Railways is one of the largest and most vital transport networks in the world, playing a crucial role in connecting the vast expanse of India.
- Founded in 1853 with the first passenger train running between Mumbai and Thane, it has grown into a massive network covering over 67,000 kilometers and carrying over 23 million passengers daily.
- Indian Railways operates a variety of services including long-distance express trains, suburban local trains, luxury tourist trains, and freight services.
- It is also one of the largest employers in the world, offering jobs to over 1.2 million people. With a strong push towards modernization, the railways is embracing electrification, high-speed trains, and digital ticketing systems.
- Initiatives like the Vande Bharat Express, station redevelopment projects, and the recently launched RailOne app reflect its commitment to efficiency and passenger convenience.
- Under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, Indian Railways is focused on indigenous manufacturing of coaches, engines, and infrastructure components.
Rail Budget
- The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹2.52 lakh crore in gross budgetary support to Indian Railways. This substantial investment emphasises enhanced rail infrastructure, safety upgrades, and passenger amenities.
- The Budget included manufacturing of 200 new Vande Bharat trains, alongside 100 Amrit Bharat and 50 Namo Bharat trains, to improve connectivity and modernise the fleet.
- The Budget also prioritises safety, with allocations reaching over ₹1.14 lakh crore for signaling and protective systems like Kavach.
Separate Rail Budget
- Until 2016, India followed the unique practice of presenting a separate Rail Budget, distinct from the Union Budget. Introduced in 1924, this system acknowledged the financial and operational scale of Indian Railways.
- Over time, however, critics argued it had become more political than strategic, often driven by populist announcements.
- In 2017, the government merged the Rail Budget with the Union Budget to enable integrated planning and streamlined decision-making across the transport sector.
