In a bid to make railway travel more convenient, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a new mobile application called SwaRail. The app is available for both Android and iOS users. It will offer services like ticket booking, live train tracking, food ordering and complaint management. The app is developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). SwaRail is currently in early access, with full features already live and more enhancements on the way.Let’s have a quick look at the features of the app:SwaRail is designed to be more than just a ticket booking tool. It’s a comprehensive travel assistant for railway passengers across India. The app allows users to:Book Reserved, Unreserved, and Platform ticketsTrack live train status and train delaysView PNR status and coach positionsOrder food from partner vendors during journeysSubmit refund requests for canceled or missed trainsRaise complaints or give feedback through the Rail Madad featureThis wide range of services eliminates the need for multiple railway-related apps and provides a unified platform for better travel planning.Early Access, Full Functionality

Even though SwaRail is currently in its early access phase, it delivers a fully functional experience. Existing IRCTC users can simply log in with their current credentials, while new users can register directly through the app. The platform supports multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to passengers from diverse regions.The app includes a ‘My Account’ section, allowing users to edit personal details, check booking history, and manage preferences. A key highlight is the built-in R-Wallet, a digital wallet for quick and secure payments within the app. This simplifies transactions for bookings, food orders, and other in-app services.How to Book a Ticket on SwaRailDownload and log in using your IRCTC account (or register as a new user).Navigate to the ‘Journey Planner’, where you can choose between Reserved, Unreserved, or Platform tickets.Enter travel details such as departure and arrival stations, date, class, and quota.Browse the list of available trains and seat options.Fill in passenger details, review the journey summary, and proceed to payment.Payments can be made through R-Wallet, UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking, with the app clearly displaying any applicable convenience fees. Once the booking is confirmed, tickets are accessible under ‘My Bookings’, where users can view, share, or email them.Railway Digitalization

SwaRail is a significant leap in IRCTC’s mission to digitalize and modernize railway travel in India. With a clean interface, easy navigation, and a wide range of practical tools, the app is positioned to become a go-to travel companion for millions of Indian railway users.As updates roll out and features continue to expand, SwaRail is expected to transform how people plan, manage, and enjoy their train journeys — offering a smarter, simpler, and more connected travel experience.