RailOne App Faces Widespread Technical Glitches and Passenger Backlash
The RailOne application, officially launched by the Union Railway Minister on July 1, 2025, is encountering significant operational challenges and technical deficiencies. Numerous passengers across Karnataka have reported persistent issues with the app, including incorrect platform number displays, inaccurate train schedules, and delayed real-time updates that are causing considerable inconvenience during travel.
Booking Failures and Payment Glitches Frustrate Users
Several commuters have experienced difficulties while attempting to log into the application and complete ticket bookings through the platform. Rohit Jain, General Secretary of the SWR Passengers Committee, revealed to TOI that bookings frequently fail during critical moments. "Sometimes the system shows 'payment failed' or 'processing' status, while in other instances, money gets deducted without generating proper confirmation, particularly during Tatkal booking windows," Jain explained.
He further elaborated on the timing issues: "Since the app prompts updates very slowly, often delayed by at least 10 minutes, passengers risk missing their trains. As an alternative, many travelers are resorting to private applications that provide more accurate real-time information compared to the Railways' own platform. Occasionally, tickets do get booked successfully, but the app either fails to display the booking immediately or shows conflicting status information."
Mixed Reviews on Functionality and Performance
KN Krishna Prasad, Convener of Karnataka Railway Vedike in Bengaluru, acknowledged that RailOne represents a positive step toward consolidation. "This application serves as a good platform for both reserved and unreserved bookings, along with train status checking. Previously, passengers were compelled to use separate applications like UTS, NTES, and IRCTC for different railway services. The app has eliminated distance fencing restrictions of 5 kilometers and maximum coverage limits of 20 kilometers," Prasad stated.
However, he identified significant performance issues: "The application noticeably slows down when users attempt to register grievances through the RailMadad feature, creating additional frustration for passengers seeking resolution to their problems."
Persistent Platform Number Errors at Major Stations
Ganesh Singh Byali, President of Betgeri Railway Horata Samiti, highlighted that even after seven months since the app's launch, it continues to display incorrect platform numbers at prominent railway stations including Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Gadag. "In Gadag, which has only three platforms, RailOne inexplicably shows platforms 4 and 5 for certain trains. Recently, we observed that the application displayed the wrong platform for the SSS Hubballi train at KSR Bengaluru station, while a private application provided accurate information," Byali commented.
He expressed suspicion about potential underlying issues: "We suspect that someone within the Railways might be favoring private applications to generate more traction than the official Railway app, though this requires proper investigation."
Real-World Consequences for Daily Commuters
Mayur Patil, a private sector employee, shared a harrowing experience from last week when he attempted to board the Kushtagi Express from Hubballi. "Though a private application correctly displayed the train at platform 6, we trusted RailOne since it's the Railway's official application, which showed platform 1. The electronic display at the station confirmed platform 6 just ten minutes before departure, forcing us to run 1.5 kilometers across what's considered the world's longest platform to catch our train," Patil recounted.
Despite filing complaints through Rail Madad and at Gadag station, the platform display error remains uncorrected, leaving passengers vulnerable to similar situations.
Questionable Discount Claims Add to Confusion
Adding to the controversy, South Western Railway recently claimed on its social media accounts that a 3% discount on unreserved tickets would be available between January 14 and February 14. However, frequent train passenger Mahantesh Hurakadli pointed out that this discount has existed since the app's inception in July 2025 and was previously available on the older UTS application as well.
"Most likely, the Railway is making such an announcement as preparation to withdraw the discount entirely, rather than introducing anything new," Hurakadli suspected, highlighting transparency concerns in Railway communications.
When approached for comments on these widespread issues, Manjunath Kanamadi, SWR Chief Public Relations Officer, was unavailable to provide any official response or clarification regarding the technical glitches and passenger complaints.
