AI-powered ticket prediction, integrated travel services and enhanced digital infrastructure set to redefine passenger experience

Indian Railways will begin shifting trains to its upgraded Passenger Reservation System (PRS) from August 2026, marking one of the biggest digital overhauls in the railway network’s history.

During a review meeting held at Rail Bhawan, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed officials to ensure a seamless transition from the existing 40-year-old reservation system without causing inconvenience to passengers.

Union Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu were also present during the review.

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways to begin migration to upgraded reservation system from August 2026
• Existing PRS system has been operational since 1986
• RailOne app records over 3.5 crore downloads within a year of launch
• AI-based waitlist prediction accuracy improves to 94%
• Nearly 88% of railway ticket bookings now happen online
• Railways provided ₹60,239 crore passenger subsidy in FY 2024-25
• Average passenger fare subsidised by 43%

Major Upgrade to 40-Year-Old Reservation System

Launched in 1986, the current Passenger Reservation System has undergone multiple modifications over the decades. However, Indian Railways has now completely modernised the platform with expanded capacity and upgraded technology infrastructure.

The move comes as digital ticketing continues to dominate railway bookings in India. According to the Ministry, around 88% of total ticket demand is now fulfilled online, significantly reducing dependency on physical reservation counters.

The transition is expected to improve booking efficiency, enhance system stability during peak demand and offer a more seamless passenger experience.

RailOne App Emerging as a Key Digital Travel Platform

Indian Railways highlighted the rapid growth of the RailOne mobile application, which was launched in July 2025.

Within less than a year, the app has crossed 3.5 crore downloads nationwide, including over 3.16 crore downloads on Android and more than 33 lakh downloads on Apple devices.

Currently, the platform facilitates around 9.29 lakh ticket bookings daily, including:

• 7.2 lakh unreserved and platform tickets
• 2.09 lakh reserved tickets

The app integrates several passenger services including:

• Reserved and unreserved ticket booking
• Ticket cancellations and refunds
• Live train running status
• Platform and coach position updates
• Rail Madad passenger assistance
• Seat-based food ordering services

AI-Based Waitlist Prediction Gains Popularity

One of the most talked-about features of the RailOne app is its AI-based waitlist confirmation prediction system.

Introduced earlier this year, the feature allows passengers to check the likelihood of waitlisted tickets getting confirmed before travel. Indian Railways said prediction accuracy has improved from 53% earlier to nearly 94%.

The feature has gained traction among frequent travellers, especially during peak holiday and festival seasons when ticket demand remains high.

Boost for Tourism and Passenger Mobility

The upgraded reservation ecosystem is expected to support India’s growing domestic tourism and rail travel demand, especially during long weekends, religious tourism seasons and summer vacation periods.

For the hospitality and travel sector, smoother reservation systems, real-time train updates and integrated food delivery services could enhance passenger convenience and encourage higher rail-based travel across leisure and pilgrimage destinations.

Railways Continues Passenger Fare Subsidy

Indian Railways also revealed that it provided a passenger subsidy of ₹60,239 crore during FY 2024-25.

According to the Ministry, this translates to an average fare subsidy of 43% per passenger. In practical terms, if the cost of providing a railway service is ₹100, passengers pay only around ₹57 as ticket fare.