All-in-one railways to transform rail journeys
The railways ministry is considering launching an integrated mobile application for railway services that will potentially change the way Indians travel by train in India. Under this all-in-one mobile application a train traveller will be able to order food, book cabs and other dozens of related services. The railways ministry has held several rounds of discussions with multiple service providers for partnerships/alliances.
Revamping the railways
The Indian railways partnered with consultant and advisor, Ernst & Young (E&Y) to facilitate a massive revamp of railway services. E&Y was roped in to help tap the advertising potential at railways stations and trains; the railways aims to earn Rs. 5000 crore over next few years from advertising-revenue. A proposal for an integrated mobile application for railway-services has also been drafted by E&Y.
What services will railways mobile app include?
The multi-purpose railway application needs to be downloaded before the user can access a variety of ancillary travel services. The railways ministry has been in discussions with radio-taxis to enable passengers to make travel arrangements to-and-fro from railway stations. Other services expected to be included are pre-booked porters, tour packages, food order/delivery, car rentals, accessing digital entertainment, ordering bed-roll, lodging complaints and much more.
Launch date
The application which has been envisaged as an "integrated mobile app ecosystem" by the railway ministry is expected to be launched on March 31, 2017.
Benefits to users and railways
The railways has a dozen alliances for digital services including Amazon.com, Ginger Hotel and Alibaba.com however an official explains that "The business potential is much bigger." Other railway web-services such as IRCTC, train enquiry, complaint management system are scattered across sites leading to confusion and making it inaccessible for passengers. An integrated site/app would streamline process for travellers and offer new revenue-streams for railways.
Railways under severe financial stress
The railways incurred losses of Rs.33,000 crore for 2014-15. The public transport system expects to spend Rs.70,125 crore on salaries and Rs.23,010 crore on fuel. Failure to provide passenger-services leads to losses of Rs. 7 lakh/hour and railways is keen to stem loss of revenue.
