IIT Bhubaneswar Team Launches “Simply Swap” App to Simplify Train Seat Exchanges

Bhubaneswar, April 7: In a move set to revolutionize train travel in India, a team from IIT Bhubaneswar has developed an innovative mobile and web application called “Simply Swap”, designed to streamline the process of seat swapping among train passengers.

The app is the brainchild of a dedicated team comprising students Rustam Kumar and Sangam Mishra, under the guidance of faculty members Dr. Srikant Gollapudi and Dr. Srinivas Pinisetty. The idea was inspired by Dr. Gollapudi’s own challenges while trying to swap seats during train journeys—a common issue for families and groups who often find themselves assigned seats in different coaches.

Simply Swap offers a user-friendly platform where passengers with confirmed train reservations can register and post seat swap requests by entering details such as their current seat number, preferred seat or coach, and train information. Fellow travelers on the same train can then view and accept suitable swap requests, making the entire process seamless and hassle-free.

By eliminating the need for direct passenger-to-passenger negotiations, the app reduces travel-related stress and enhances the overall journey experience. The development team believes that the app could be a game-changer for the Indian Railways, especially if integrated into official ticketing systems.

“We wanted to solve a real, everyday problem that millions of passengers face,” said Dr. Gollapudi. “Simply Swap brings a simple yet effective solution to a frustrating experience that many have just accepted as a part of train travel.”

The project has already generated significant interest from startups and venture capitalists, with discussions underway for future commercialization. The IIT Bhubaneswar team is hopeful that with the right support, the app could soon become a standard feature for train passengers across the country.

As India continues to embrace digital innovation in public services, Simply Swap stands out as a promising example of how technology can be harnessed to improve everyday experiences, reaffirming IIT Bhubaneswar’s commitment to practical and impactful solutions.