Travel Startup Rail Yatri raises fresh funds
Train travel startup Rail Yatri has secured undisclosed amount through series B funding round. The round was led by existing investor Omidyar Network, while other existing investors Nandan Nilekani, Blume Ventures and Helion Venture Partners also participated in the round.
Rail Yatri will use the latest fund infusion to expand its footprints in hotels and packages, for which it has already started hiring across verticals. Co-founder Manish Rathi claimed that this funding round will give the startup a huge head-start in achieving the 10 million annual transaction mark.
Rail Yatri had last raised funds in October 2016, when it raised undisclosed amount from its existing investors.
Rail Yatri aims to simplify Train journey
Founded in 2011, Rail Yatri is looking to revolutionize train journey for commuters by offering them accurate information about train arrivals, amenities available on platform and train speed through its mobile app as well as web service. Besides, the startup also offers train booking, hotel accommodation and cab booking services.
Rail Yatri’s task to crack the railway market is pretty cut down, considering the fact that many well-funded startups also offer railway and hotel booking services. Some of these startups include the likes of MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Goibibo and Yatra.
As for, the railway market is concerned then this market is really huge. Despite the growing aviation market in the wake of increasing popularity of low-cost carriers, most Indians still travel by either trains or buses. However, the market is really a tough nut to crack considering various hindering factors like technology & language barrier and infrastructure issues.