Indian Railways is introducing NFT-based train tickets for people traveling to the MahaKumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival. The festival is a rare event that happens once every 12 years and draws millions of pilgrims from around the world.
Indian Railway Partners with Chaincode Consulting
On January 13, Chaincode Consulting announced its collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to implement NFT-based ticketing. These NFTs will be minted on the Polygon blockchain and distributed through the NFTtrace platform, which supports real-world asset traceability.
IRCTC to issue NFT based tickets. Source: XThe Polygon blockchain was chosen for its high transaction speed and low costs, making it an eco-friendly and scalable option. Alok Gupta, the CEO of Chaincode Consulting, said this project combines digital innovation with the cultural and spiritual importance of the MahaKumbh Mela. He said this initiative would create a “digital-first experience” for the MahaKumbh Mela.
Indian Railways book about 1.2 million tickets daily via the IRCTC platform. Moreover, this NFT ticketing will provide travelers with a unique and verifiable digital souvenir of their spiritual journey.
Aishwary Gupta, an executive at Polygon Labs, talked about the importance of public blockchains in removing intermediaries. He added that Indian governments at both state and central levels have successfully used Polygon in other projects.
What is MahaKumbh Mela?
The MahaKumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. It occurs every 144 years and attracts millions of people. A related event, the Kumbh Mela, happens every 12 years and is a part of UNESCO world cultural heritage.
The festival has drawn global figures like actor Richard Gere, director David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama. According to reports, Laurene Jobs, widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs, plans to attend the 2025 pilgrimage.
Past NFT Initiatives by IRCTC
This is not the first time Indian Railways has used NFTs. In March 2024, it also introduced NFT tickets for the Holi festival. These tickets celebrated the culture of Indian cities like Lucknow and Delhi and were also verifiable on a blockchain.
Indian Railways has previously used blockchain technology to keep track of ticket purchases. By using NFTs for the MahaKumbh Mela, they aim to combine modern technology with India’s rich cultural traditions.
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