How to Check Live Train Running Status Using Rail One App

7 Min Read
How to Check Live Train Running Status Using Rail One App image full border

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched its latest digital offering — the Rail One App, a one-stop platform for everything related to Indian Railways. Among its many features, one of the most useful is the ability to check the live running status of any train in real time.

Whether you’re a passenger en route, waiting at a station, or receiving someone, knowing exactly where a train is and how delayed it might be can save you time, frustration, and missed connections.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Rail One app to track your train live with pinpoint accuracy.

What is Live Train Running Status?

Live Train Running Status tells you the exact real-time location of a train on its route. It includes updates such as:

  • Current station location

  • Estimated arrival at upcoming stations

  • Actual departure and arrival times

  • Platform information

  • Delay (if any) in minutes or hours

This data is particularly helpful for:

  • Passengers boarding midway through the route

  • People receiving passengers at destination stations

  • Planning alternate connections if a train is delayed

Previously, this data was available on platforms like NTES (National Train Enquiry System), but IRCTC has now integrated it into the Rail One App for easier access.

How to Check Live Train Status on Rail One App: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download and Install the Rail One App

First, ensure that you have the official Rail One App installed on your mobile device.

The app is free, secure, and developed by IRCTC.

Step 2: Log In or Sign Up

Once installed:

  • Open the app

  • Log in with your existing IRCTC credentials

  • Or sign up as a new user with your mobile number and email

You can also skip login for basic features, including live status.

Step 3: Access the ‘Live Train Status’ Option

On the home screen, you’ll see a menu with several options like:

  • Book Tickets

  • PNR Status

  • Train Schedule

  • Live Train Status

  • Food on Train

  • IRCTC Tourism

Tap on “Live Train Status”.

Step 4: Enter Train Details

You can track a train using any of the following:

  • Train Number (e.g., 12301)

  • Train Name (e.g., Rajdhani Express)

  • Train Code (Partial Name) — the app shows suggestions as you type

Once you select the train, choose the travel date, and proceed.

Step 5: Get Real-Time Updates

The app will now display:

  • The last reported station

  • The estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the next station

  • Any delays in minutes or hours

  • Total distance covered and remaining

  • Expected platform number (where available)

You’ll also see a route map with a moving train icon, showing real-time progress across all stations.

Additional Features While Tracking

While viewing the live status, Rail One also offers:

  • Station-wise schedule and halt times

  • Coach position information for upcoming stations

  • Notifications if a train is significantly delayed or rescheduled

  • Alternative train suggestions (in case of long delays)

How Accurate is the Rail One Live Train Tracker?

The data is sourced from GPS-enabled railway stations, onboard systems, and Indian Railways’ centralized train control network. While slight delays in updates may occur in remote areas, major station information is accurate and updated in real-time.

This makes Rail One one of the most reliable apps for train tracking, especially compared to third-party apps that rely on crowdsourced or outdated data.

Language Support

The Rail One app supports multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to users across:

  • Hindi

  • English

  • Tamil

  • Telugu

  • Bengali

  • Marathi

  • Gujarati

  • Kannada

  • Malayalam

  • Punjabi

Pro Tips for Better Usage

  • Use Train Number for the most accurate results

  • Track trains starting today or currently en route

  • Enable notifications to get alerts without checking manually

  • Use PNR link (if available) to track status of booked trains directly

Benefits of Using Rail One for Train Tracking

Feature Rail One App NTES Third-Party Apps
Official Indian Railways Data
Real-Time GPS Updates ⚠️ Limited
Platform Details
Integrated with Ticket Info
Language Support ⚠️ Few ⚠️ Limited
Mobile Friendly Interface ⚠️ Outdated

Who Should Use the Live Status Feature?

  • Passengers catching the train at a mid-route station

  • Family members tracking arrival to pick up travelers

  • Travelers with connecting trains

  • Frequent rail commuters who need daily updates

  • Office commuters checking delays on local trains

Upcoming Enhancements (Planned)

IRCTC is planning to roll out additional live features:

  • Voice-based train status query

  • Map-based visual tracking across India

  • Arrival prediction AI to suggest buffer times

  • Platform change alerts at major stations

Final Thoughts

In today’s fast-paced world, knowing exactly where your train is — and when it’s arriving — can make all the difference. With the Rail One app, IRCTC has taken a big step in digitizing and humanizing railway services, offering passengers a reliable, user-friendly, and mobile-first experience.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone planning a rare train journey, the Live Train Status feature on the Rail One app ensures you’re never left guessing.

Download Rail One App Today

Take full control of your railway journey with real-time tracking and alerts — all in one place.

Share This Article