Railways launch incomplete train app

Mobile app was to provide users with an opportunity to track trains location in real time

LAHORE: Certain projects when launched ahead of its time cause problems for the general public.

A similar situation developed earlier when the Pakistan Railways launched a train tracking mobile app called 'Pak Rail Live' in haste. However, the app was not ready for public release and suffered from glitches.

The mobile app was to provide users with an opportunity to track trains in real time along with the estimated time of arrival of a train and schedule of various trains.

 

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT



Speaking to Express Tribune, Fahad-ur-Rehman, the railway IT Director stated that the app was introduced very recently and will gradually improve with more trains being added to the tracking system.

“Presently, people are facing problems in checking for their desired trains due to the new software,” Rehman further added. The glitches of the train’s live location tracking app became prominent to users who left remarks and feedback on the app and social media. They pointed out how the app didn't show live locations for numerous trains.



Approximately 30 per cent of the work on the app is yet to be finished which is also why the train tracking app has created issues for the travellers and for those who want to book their tickets.

Previously, then Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique launched an app that enabled users to book their train ticket online without any paperwork needed terming the process as a“paperless ticketing system” that was easy to use.