Indian Railways to issue NFT tickets on Polygon for rare festival

The Indian Railways plans to distribute digital, unique train tickets in the form of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) for all travelers attending the MahaKumbh Mela, an extraordinary Hindu event that occurs only once every 12 years or so.

On January 13th, Chaincode Consulting, a company specializing in blockchain technology, revealed a collaborative venture with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This partnership aims to modernize and digitalize the spiritual journeys of countless travelers making their way to India’s significant pilgrimages.

As a crypto investor, I’m excited about the NFTs that are being created on the Polygon blockchain. These unique digital items will be accessible through the NFTtrace platform, which not only facilitates their minting but also ensures transparency and traceability of real-world assets associated with them.

Indian Railways to issue NFT tickets on Polygon

For the project, the Polygon blockchain was selected because it offers quicker transaction speeds and lower gas costs, thereby ensuring both scalability and environmental friendliness, as stated in the announcement shared on CryptoMoon.

Discussing the integration of blockchain technology into Indian cultural events, Alok Gupta, the head of Chaincode Consulting, expressed his thoughts: “Exploring the use of blockchain in India’s cultural festivities.

“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.”

2 million train tickets are sold every day via the IRCTC site, while the NFT-driven initiative seeks to draw a worldwide audience.

Approximately 1.2 million train tickets find their way onto the IRCTC platform daily, and the goal of the NFT campaign is to bring in participants from around the globe.

Every twelve years, the Kumbh Mela festival takes place, a significant event that UNESCO recognizes as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Notable figures such as Richard Gere, David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama – an influential Tibetan Buddhist leader – have graced this occasion with their presence.

By the way, it has been reported by The Times of India that Laurene Jobs, the late Steve Jobs’ wife and former Apple CEO, plans to participate in a 2025 pilgrimage.

India’s inclination toward NFT use cases

In March 2024, Indian Railways ran a temporary NFT (Non-Fungible Token) promotion for train tickets during the Hindu festival of Holi, which they supported.

The IRCTC explained during their Holi campaign that these electronic tickets aren’t just mementos, but rather, they embody the vibrant cultural heritage of Lucknow and Delhi, showcasing their rich tapestry.

Indian Railways has introduced NFTs tailored for individual users, which can be authenticated by both authorities and the public using blockchain technology. Earlier, the company managed its train ticket transactions on a Hyperledger blockchain and used smart contracts to manage the tracking process in an efficient manner.

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2025-01-13 11:15