Indian Railways is set to bid farewell to its 40-year-old reservation system as it moves to install a new and more modern one. During an executive meeting held at the Rail Bhavan, Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw instructed railway officers emphatically that there must be no inconveniences whatsoever to passengers while changing the system.

It should be state-of-the-art as well as passenger-friendly. The introduction of the Passenger Reservation System, established in 1986, had undergone several highs and lows.

A lot of minor and major modifications have been carried out over the past four decades. However, the system has now been entirely revamped as its capabilities have been enhanced tremendously due to the application of technology to correct the system’s glitches and delays.

This journey, which began with the introduction of internet ticketing in 2002, has now reached a point where approximately 88 percent of the country's total ticket demand is met online. The Rail One mobile app has emerged as a shining example of this digital revolution, becoming the new companion for millions of travelers.

Launched in July last year, the app has broken all records of popularity in less than a year. More than 35 million people have downloaded it so far. The biggest reason for this app's success is its multifaceted utility. It not only facilitates ticket booking but also provides prompt redressal of passenger complaints.

Currently, an average of 9.29 lakh tickets are being booked daily through this app, including 7.2 lakh unreserved and 2.09 lakh reserved tickets. Its increasing rating on Google Play Store and Apple Store is a proof that Indian Railways is now truly moving towards becoming a 'Smart Rail'.