Indian train journeys are no longer just about window views and long chats with fellow passengers.

With high-speed trains, smart stations, ATM on trains, and food delivered right to your seat, the experience is now faster, smarter, and tastier than ever before.

Here’s how train travel for the aam aadmi (common man) has transformed.

India’s First ATM On A Train

A pilot trial of India’s first onboard ATM has already been conducted on the Mumbai–Manmad train. This service aims to make cash withdrawals easier for passengers, especially in remote areas with no ATMS.

Hungry On The Train? Order From Your Seat

Train journeys are no longer about eating cold food from home or depending on questionable vendors. IRCTC aims to make food ordering safer by warning against unauthorised vendors and encouraging passengers to use only their official platforms.

Furthermore, IRCTC has warned passengers to avoid using unauthorised food delivery apps while travelling by train to ensure safe and hygienic meals. Apps like Railrestro, Railmitra, Travelkhana, and others have been flagged. Instead, travellers should use the official IRCTC e-catering website www.ecatering.irctc.co.in, the Food on Track app, call 1323, or WhatsApp at +91-8750001323.

Passengers can enter their PNR, choose food, and get it delivered to their seat. The service is available at over 300 major stations, like New Delhi, Mumbai Central, and Chennai. Launched in 2014, IRCTC e-catering offers meals from reputed regional food outlets.

A video of a British YouTuber went viral recently as he was stunned to see how smoothly food was delivered right to his train seat in India.

One Super App For All Your Needs

Indian Railways has launched a new super app called “SwaRail" to simplify the travel experience by combining multiple services into one platform. Developed by CRIS and IRCTC, the app allows users to book reserved and unreserved tickets, platform and parcel services, and access train/PNR enquiries and Rail Madad.

It integrates existing apps like IRCTC Rail Connect and UTS, offering a single sign-on feature and a dedicated R-Wallet for easy bookings. Users can log in with existing credentials. Currently in beta testing, SwaRail" aims to be a one-stop solution for all public-facing Indian Railways services.

Women In The Driver’s Seat

Indian Railways has also seen a 5x5xncrease in women loco pilots over the past decade. This push for diversity has made headlines, showing that the railways are not just changing their infrastructure but also their mindset.

Having said that, the number of women loco pilots in Indian Railways reached 1,828 in 2024, up from 371 in 2014. Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest increase, from 36 to 222, followed by Telangana (13 to 196) and Tamil Nadu (39 to 180).

Additionally, the number of women station masters has also grown fivefold, now standing at 1,828.

Vande Bharat, Smart Stations, & Fast Tracks Indian Railways has undergone a massive transformation in the past nine years, with significant improvements in infrastructure, services, and passenger comfort. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, these advancements have not only boosted the economy but also enhanced the travel experience for millions. Here are some key milestones:

• Electrification of Railway Tracks: India is set to have the world’s largest green railway network by 2030, with 14 states already fully electrified.
• Expanding the Railway Network: New tracks, including key routes in Northeast India, have improved connectivity across the nation.
• Doubling of Railway Tracks: Doubling of tracks ensures smoother operations and reduces congestion with Rs 30,749 crore allocated for this project.
• Upgraded Stations and Trains: Over 400 stations revamped with modern amenities, better access for specially-abled passengers.
• Semi High-Speed Trains: Introduction of Semi High-Speed Trains Vande Bharat Express, featuring modern facilities, now operates on 18 major routes.
• Automatic Signalling: Automatic electronic block signalling has been introduced to increase capacity and improve safety.
• UTS Mobile Ticketing App: The UTS app allows for hassle-free ticket booking, cutting down waiting times for frequent travellers.
• India’s Longest Railway Tunnel: The Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir improves connectivity and operational efficiency.
• Dedicated Freight Corridor: The DFC project is improving freight transport efficiency and easing congestion.

What’s Next?

With bullet trains on the horizon, smart ticketing, facial recognition at entries, and fully electric routes, Indian Railways is well on its way to becoming a global example of public transport transformation.