- Indian Railways is issuing NFT-based train tickets for the MahaKumbh Mela on Polygon.
- They previously experimented with the NFT ticket initiative during Holi in March 2024.
Indian Railways is offering NFT-based train tickets to the visitors of MahaKumbh Mela 2025 in association with Chaincode Consulting. Minted on the Polygon blockchain, these tickets bring the travel experience to life for millions who attend the most important Hindu pilgrimages. The MahaKumbh Mela, which takes place every 144 years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is included in UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity.
The adoption of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for ticketing merges tradition with innovation. These NFT tickets managed via the NFTtrace platform, are not travel passes but digital collectables. It likely symbolises the cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
Why Polygon Blockchain?
Polygon was chosen as the blockchain platform for its scalability—high transaction throughput to manage the massive volume of bookings. The advantage through low fees—in the form of minimum gas cost—is also advantageous for both the Indian Railway Corporation and travellers.
Moreover, sustainability—environmentally sustainable attributes—is integrated into the event. It is considered to aim throughout the life cycle of the creation of a low-carbon impact on the environment.
Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, stated:
“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.”
In addition, this is not the first attempt by Indian Railways in NFT ticketing. In March 2024, to commemorate the Hindu festival of Holi, a one-time NFT campaign was started for the cities of Lucknow and Delhi. Expanding upon that success, the MahaKumbh Mela proposal takes the vision to a larger scale to attract worldwide attention.
Considering that the daily train tickets booked are estimated approximately 1.2 million e-tickets through the IRCTC website, the application of blockchain in this NFTS ticketing system is one of the largest applications around the globe. This endeavour highlights the Indian Railway’s efforts to improve its services by keeping in mind cultural roots.
In contrast, the MahaKumbh Mela has been a longstanding source of international intrigue. It has drawn some famous past attendees such as Richard Gere, David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama. Furthermore, Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs’s wife, is anticipated to attend the 2025 MahaKumbh, thereby underscoring the event’s appeal.
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