Indian Railways is set to introduce NFT-based train tickets for the MahaKumbh Mela 2025, collaborating with Chaincode Consulting.
These tickets, minted on the Polygon blockchain, enhance the travel experience for millions attending this significant Hindu pilgrimage. The MahaKumbh Mela occurs every 144 years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity.
The use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for ticketing combines tradition with modern technology. These NFT tickets, managed through the NFTtrace platform, serve as digital collectibles rather than just travel passes, reflecting the cultural and spiritual importance of the event.
Polygon was selected for its scalability, allowing high transaction volumes to accommodate the large number of bookings. Its low fees benefit both the Indian Railway Corporation and travelers. Additionally, the initiative emphasizes sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.
Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, highlighted that this partnership with IRCTC aims to create a digital-first experience that enhances the traditional significance of the MahaKumbh while engaging attendees through NFTs.
This is not Indian Railways’ first venture into NFT ticketing; a one-time NFT campaign was launched in March 2024 for Holi in Lucknow and Delhi. Building on that success, the MahaKumbh Mela initiative aims to attract global attention.
With around 1.2 million e-tickets booked daily through the IRCTC website, this NFT ticketing system represents one of the largest blockchain applications globally. This project showcases Indian Railways’ commitment to improving services while honoring cultural traditions.
The MahaKumbh Mela has historically attracted notable figures, including Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama. Laurene Powell Jobs is also expected to attend in 2025, highlighting the event’s international appeal.
Last week, Donald Trump has introduced a new NFT collection called “Trump Bitcoin Digital Trading Cards” on the Bitcoin network using the Ordinals protocol.
