Indian Railways is set to revolutionize ticketing for the MahaKumbh Mela by issuing NFT-based train tickets, blending tradition with cutting-edge blockchain technology.
On January 13, Chaincode Consulting announced its collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to digitize the travel experience for millions heading to the MahaKumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage held once every four years. The tickets will be minted as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Polygon blockchain, creating a unique and verifiable digital identity for each passenger.
Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, shared the importance of this initiative: “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 while introducing a new level of engagement through NFTs.”
Why Polygon?
The Polygon blockchain was chosen for its high-speed transactions and low gas fees, ensuring scalability and environmental sustainability. This makes it an ideal platform for managing the expected influx of travelers. Currently, IRCTC processes an average of 1.2 million train ticket bookings daily, making the integration of a scalable blockchain crucial for a seamless user experience.
The NFT-based tickets, made available via the NFTtrace platform, will not only serve as digital passes but also as collectible souvenirs for travelers. With the MahaKumbh Mela being a UNESCO-recognized cultural event, the initiative is expected to attract participants and enthusiasts from across the globe.
Notably, India has seen massive crypto growth and adoption in the past few years, as per data. This comes despite the government’s strict 30% tax on crypto gains.
NFTs Beyond Tickets
This isn’t Indian Railways’ first foray into NFTs. In March 2024, the organization launched a limited-time NFT ticketing campaign during the Holi festival. These tickets celebrated the vibrant culture of cities like Lucknow and Delhi, marking a precedent for using blockchain in commemorating cultural events.
The NFT tickets for the MahaKumbh Mela offer both practical and symbolic value. Passengers and authorities can verify them on the blockchain, ensuring authenticity and traceability. This approach builds on Indian Railways’ earlier experiments with Hyperledger blockchain for record-keeping and smart contracts to manage ticket traceability.
