The Ministry of Railways has announced a new ticketing app for Indian travellers, which is called the SwaRail app. It is a SuperApp, which aims to bring all the railway services under one roof. Until now, people used the IRCTC Rail connect app for ticket booking and related services, but SwaRail now aims to make things easier and faster for the passengers. So, how do these two apps compare? Let us take a look.
Purpose of IRCTC Rail Connect and SwaRail app
The IRCTC Rail Connect app is mainly used for ticket booking and management. It allows users to book reserved tickets, check PNR status, manage bookings, and make payments conveniently.
On the other hand, SwaRail, which is a SuperApp developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), aims to bring together multiple railway services, such as reserved and unreserved ticket bookings, train inquiries, food ordering, and even complaint management into a single app.
Key features of IRCTC and SwaRail app
IRCTC Rail Connect allows users to book reserved tickets easily. However, SwaRail also lets people with unreserved ticket bookings, including platform tickets, which is required when you go to the station to drop off your family members. While both apps support various payment options like UPI, net banking, and debit/credit cards, SwaRail integrates multiple services into one app.
When it comes to checking PNR status, both apps provide this feature. However, SwaRail makes the experience slightly better by also displaying associated train details.Refund tracking is available on both apps.
A major difference lies in login and security. The IRCTC Rail Connect app requires separate logins for different railway services. SwaRail, on the other hand, introduces a single sign-on system, meaning users can log in once and access all railway services without needing multiple credentials. Both apps provide secure access with PIN and biometric login options.
Another advantage of SwaRail is that it has all the additional services that are not available on IRCTC Rail Connect. Users can place food orders on trains, track freight and parcel services, and even use Rail Madad for lodging complaints. These features make SwaRail a more comprehensive travel companion compared to IRCTC Rail Connect.
Another major improvement with SwaRail is that it will occupy very less space in your phone. Since all railway-related services are integrated within a single app, users do not have to install and manage multiple apps.
Which one is better?
If you only wish to book reserved train tickets, IRCTC Rail Connect remains a better choice. However, if you want all the railway-related services, SwaRail is the better option. With a cleaner user interface, single login, and integrated features like food ordering, freight tracking, and complaint management, SwaRail aims to provide a smarter and more efficient railway experience.
Since SwaRail is still in beta, users still have the opportunity to share feedback and help make the app better before its final release.
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