eTrain

eTrain App Review: A Lightweight & Fast Train Enquiry App

In a market dominated by heavy, feature-loaded giants, eTrain stands out as a lightweight, fast, and efficient alternative. Developed by independent developer Sanjay Patel, this app has gained a loyal following among users who want quick information without the bloat of wallet integrations, food delivery, or hotel bookings.

What is eTrain?

eTrain is a dedicated Indian Railways enquiry app. It focuses on the core needs of a traveler: checking PNR status, finding seat availability, and tracking trains. Its USP is its simplicity and speed. It is designed to work well even on older Android phones and on slower 2G/3G networks.

Why Choose eTrain?

1. Offline Capabilities

Like "Where Is My Train", eTrain offers robust offline features. You can view the train time table and route map without an active internet connection. This is crucial when traveling through connectivity dead zones.

2. Fare Calculator

eTrain has one of the best Fare Calculators in the market. It gives a detailed breakdown of the ticket cost, including base fare, reservation charge, superfast charge, and GST. It covers all classes (1A, 2A, 3A, SL, 2S) and quota types (General, Tatkal, Senior Citizen).

3. Seat Map & Coach Layout

Before you board, you can check the seat map to see if you have a window seat, a middle berth, or an aisle seat. The app provides clear diagrams of the coach layout for different types of coaches (LHB vs. ICF).

4. Clean Interface

The app follows a no-nonsense design philosophy. The home screen has large, clear icons for the main functions. There are no distracting banner ads for rummy games or loans in the premium version, making it a pleasant experience.

Key Features

• PNR Status: Quick check with probability of confirmation.
• Seat Availability: Check availability for multiple trains on a single screen.
• Train Route: See the list of all halts and stoppage times.
• Live Status: Track the train's delay and current location.
• Cancelled Trains: Daily list of cancelled and partially cancelled trains.

How to Use eTrain

1. Check Fare: Go to "Seat Availability". Enter route and class. Tap on the fare amount to see the breakup.
2. Offline Schedule: Once you view a train's schedule, it is saved locally. You can access it later without data.
3. Seat Map: Enter your train number and coach type to see the seating arrangement.

eTrain vs. The Giants

Feature	eTrain	RailYatri	Ixigo
App Size	Small (~20MB)	Large (~40MB)	Large (~50MB)
Speed	Fast	Moderate	Moderate
Focus	Info Only	Booking + Info	Booking + Info
Offline	Yes	Partial	Partial

Common FAQs

Q: Is eTrain an official app? A: No, it is a third-party app. It fetches data from public railway APIs.

Q: Can I book tickets on eTrain? A: No, eTrain is strictly for information. It does not support ticket booking.

The Verdict

eTrain is the perfect app for the minimalist traveler. If you already have an app for booking (like IRCTC) and just need a fast, reliable tool for checking status and schedules, eTrain is an excellent choice. It respects your phone's resources and your time.

Download eTrain for a fast, clutter-free railway experience!