IIT researchers develop app to simplify seat swapping in trains

Bhubaneswar: Many times, train travellers belonging to the same family face the challenge of reserved seats located in different coaches. Such passengers seek seat swaps through direct requests to fellow travellers but meet with limited success. To address this issue, IIT Bhubaneswar researchers have come up with a solution.A team from IIT Bhubaneswar, consisting of students Rustam Kumar and Sangam Mishra, and faculty members Srikant Gollapudi and Srinivas Pinisetty, developed "Simply-Swap"—a mobile and web application designed to facilitate seat swapping among train passengers.Based on his personal experience with seat swapping requests, Gollapudi conceptualised an app that could facilitate seat swapping among train passengers with negligible effort. The application was developed by students under the supervision of faculty members.According to Gollapudi, the app allows registered users to post seat swapping requests by entering their current seat details, desired seat or coach, and train information. Any other user travelling on the same train with a seat reservation in the specified coach can view the request and opt to accept the swap. Once a match is found, the app facilitates the swapping process, reducing the stress of manual coordination, he added.He said Simply-Swap could significantly enhance passenger convenience and satisfaction if the app is integrated into the Indian Railways' services as it can serve more people. "The innovative development aligns with the broader vision of leveraging technology to improve the travel experience. The team is currently in talks with start-ups and venture capitalists for commercialisation and has been receiving good interest," he added.Gollapudi said passengers sometimes do not show interest in swapping because they have to shift the luggage from one coach to another. "But in the app, such swaps can be done before boarding the train. After accepting the request, a passenger can directly go to the swapped seat with luggage," he added.The researchers said passengers separated from family or friends due to different coaches and berths can have a sense of security and togetherness while travelling on the train by swapping the seats through the app. "As technology continues to shape the future of transportation, innovations like Simply-Swap reaffirm IIT Bhubaneswar's dedication to practical solutions that enhance everyday experiences," he added. Former principal chief commercial manager of East Coast Railway (ECoR) B P Swain said, "The idea is good, but it should be implemented through the railway channel for public acceptance. If a third party does this, there is a chance that passengers may not trust the app. The researchers can present this app's working style before the Railway Board, so that the concerned team of the Indian Railways can consider it."