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- Indian Railways is set to integrate NFTs into MahaKumbh 2025 ticketing, offering a digital-first yet culturally rich travel experience.
- Using the Polygon blockchain, IRCTC aims to modernize pilgrimage journeys, blending low-cost, eco-friendly tech with deep spiritual significance.
Indian Railways is experimenting with blockchain technology by issuing non-fungible token (NFT) tickets for the upcoming MahaKumbh Mela, which will take place in 2025. This event, which is a Hindu pilgrimage expected to attract over 450 million visitors and is celebrated every 144 years, is poised to blend spiritual significance with cutting-edge technology.
In the spirit of Holi, IRCTC unveils a vibrant tapestry of NFT tickets for the Lucknow-New Delhi-Lucknow IRCTC Tejas trains (82501/82502), available from March 20th to April 2nd.
These tickets are not merely digital souvenirs; they are a celebration of the rich cultural… pic.twitter.com/fsH0NwH2ZN
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) March 13, 2024
Partnering with Chaincode Consulting, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will use the Polygon blockchain to mint and distribute NFT-based train tickets. Chaincode Consulting announced this collaboration on January 13, aiming to revolutionize how millions of passengers experience their spiritual journey.
Polygon blockchain, known for its speed, low costs, and eco-friendly design, was selected to power the initiative. According to Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, the collaboration with IRCTC intends to offer a digital-first experience while honoring the cultural and spiritual essence of the MahaKumbh.
“By partnering with IRCTC and leveraging the Polygon blockchain, we are enabling a digital-first experience that complements the spiritual and traditional significance of the Mahakumbh,” said Alok Gupta.
Polygon’s Role in Indian Railways’ Blockchain Journey
Daily, approximately 1.2 million train tickets are booked through the IRCTC platform. Introducing NFT tickets aims to encourage global engagement by offering a streamlined and innovative experience for a highly traditional event.
Aishwary Gupta, head of payment and fintech development at Polygon Labs, highlighted the advantages of public blockchains in removing intermediaries. Gupta emphasized that the affordability and efficiency of NFTs on Polygon could pave the way for widespread adoption, particularly in significant events like Maha Kumbh Mela.
With its low cost and high throughput, we are sure that the NFTs being issued around Maha Kumbh Mela would be yet another great success,
India’s state and central governments have increasingly utilized Polygon’s infrastructure for various initiatives, demonstrating its dependability. Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has historically drawn prominent global personalities, including the Dalai Lama, Richard Gere, and David Lynch.
NFTs: Modern Souvenirs with a Cultural Twist
Indian Railways has previously dabbled in NFT ticketing, issuing limited-edition NFT tickets for the 2024 Holi festival and other religious events. These tickets, described as “digital souvenirs,” celebrate India’s cultural richness while offering modern perks.
The Holi campaign, for example, featured personalized NFTs for Tejas Express passengers, which were traceable on the Hyperledger blockchain. The blockchain technology ensured the tickets were verifiable by both the public and authorities, streamlining the travel experience.
Laurene Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs, is among the prominent figures confirmed to attend the 2025 MahaKumbh, according to The Times of India. With such notable participation and technological advancements, Indian Railways is merging tradition with innovation in a way that feels forward-thinking yet deeply rooted in cultural significance.
