Indian Railways to Issue NFT Tickets for Rare MahaKumbh Mela on Polygon

Indian Railways is set to revolutionize ticketing for the rare MahaKumbh Mela festival by issuing non-fungible token (NFT)-based train tickets. This innovative move, in partnership with Chaincode Consulting and utilizing the Polygon blockchain, aims to digitize the spiritual journey for millions of travelers and attract a global audience to the significant Hindu pilgrimage.

Blockchain-Powered Pilgrimage: Indian Railways Embraces NFTs

Indian Railways, in collaboration with Chaincode Consulting, will issue NFT-based train tickets for passengers attending the MahaKumbh Mela, a Hindu festival occurring once every 144 years. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into India's cultural events, offering a digital-first experience that complements the traditional significance of the pilgrimage.

• The NFTs will be minted on the Polygon blockchain.

• Tickets will be accessible via the real-world assets (RWAs) and traceability platform NFTtrace.

• A dedicated portal has been established to manage these NFT tickets.

Why Polygon?

The Polygon blockchain was selected for this ambitious project due to its technical advantages, which align with the scale and requirements of issuing millions of tickets.

• Faster Throughput: Polygon's efficiency ensures quick processing of a high volume of transactions.

• Low Gas Fees: Reduced transaction costs make the system more economical for widespread use.

• Scalability: The network can handle the immense number of tickets required for such a large-scale event.

• Environmental Sustainability: Polygon's design contributes to a more eco-friendly blockchain operation.

Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, emphasized that this partnership with IRCTC and Polygon will enhance engagement through NFTs while preserving the spiritual essence of the MahaKumbh.

India's Growing Interest in NFTs

This isn't Indian Railways' first foray into NFT ticketing. The organization previously sponsored a limited-time NFT train ticketing drive in March 2024 for the Hindu festival of Holi. These personalized NFTs are not just digital souvenirs but can be verified on the blockchain by authorities and the public, ensuring authenticity and traceability.

India has shown a growing inclination towards leveraging blockchain technology for various use cases. The state and central governments have utilized the Polygon blockchain on several occasions, highlighting its reliability and effectiveness for public sector applications. With approximately 1.2 million train tickets booked daily on the IRCTC website, the adoption of NFTs for the MahaKumbh Mela aims to attract participants globally, further solidifying India's position in the evolving digital landscape.

Sources

• Indian Railways to issue NFT tickets on Polygon for rare festival, Cointelegraph.