RailYatri, a pioneering startup revolutionizing train travel in India, has carved a niche for itself through its innovative mobile application and comprehensive online platform. Founded by Kapil Raizada, Manish Rathi and Sachin Saxena, RailYatri began with a vision to simplify the travel experience for millions of passengers across India. The platform offers real-time train schedules, booking services, and essential travel alerts, catering to over 15 million users monthly.
Since its inception, RailYatri has experienced significant milestones and challenges. The startup weathered various crises typical of scaling businesses, from operational hurdles to market competition. However, with strategic resilience and a customer-centric approach, RailYatri not only survived but thrived. One of its pivotal moments was the merger with IntrCity, a mobility platform that expanded its service offerings to include bus travel under the brand IntrCity SmartBus.
In 2024, IntrCity, the parent company of RailYatri, raised $4.5 million in its Series C funding round. Led by Mirabilis Investment Trust, with participation from existing investors like Nandan Nilekani’s family trust, Omidyar Network India, and Ujamaa Ventures, this funding round bolstered IntrCity’s valuation to approximately $110 million. The infusion of funds is earmarked for enhancing product features, scaling user acquisition efforts, and expanding service routes across India.
RailYatri continues to innovate with initiatives like the ‘flexi-ticket’ feature, allowing travelers to make last-minute changes to their train reservations—a testament to its commitment to user convenience. With over 630 routes covered by IntrCity SmartBus and a robust revenue model primarily driven by roadway operations, RailYatri remains at the forefront of transforming how Indians travel, blending technology with traditional modes of transport seamlessly. As the company eyes further growth and expansion, its journey exemplifies the potential of leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience in emerging markets.