Archive · 9 Aug 2025
IRCTC Justifies Convenience Fee on Digital Ticket Bookings
Imagine you want to buy a train ticket.
Instead of going to a counter, you can book it online.
The railway company, IRCTC, charges a small fee for this online service, like Rs 10 or 20, depending on your ticket.
This fee is used to keep the online booking system working well.
A member of parliament, Sanjay Singh, asked why they charge extra when the government wants everyone to use digital payments, where they don't charge extra.
The Railway Minister said the fee helps cover the costs of the online booking system, which is used by many people.
So, it's like paying a little extra for the convenience of booking tickets from home.
IRCTC charges a convenience fee for online ticket bookings, which is justified by the Railway Minister.
MP Sanjay Singh questioned the fees on digital payments, especially as the government promotes a cashless economy.
The fee is Rs 10 for non-AC tickets and Rs 20 for AC tickets booked online.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the fee covers the cost of maintaining digital infrastructure.
87% of reserved railway tickets are booked online, indicating widespread use of the system.
- Who
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MP Sanjay Singh are involved in the discussion. IRCTC charges the fee.
- What
- IRCTC charges a convenience fee for online ticket bookings.
- When
- The fee was discussed in response to a query on July 8th.
- Where
- India
- Why
- The fee covers the cost of maintaining and upgrading the digital infrastructure for online booking, according to the Railway Minister.
Critics of the Fee
IRCTC and Railway Minister's Defense
Fee Policy
Critics of the Fee
The convenience fee contradicts the government's push for a cashless economy.
IRCTC and Railway Minister's Defense
The fee is a necessary charge for a value-added service.
- Service
- Online train ticket booking
- Fee (Non-AC)
- Rs 10
- Fee (AC)
- Rs 20
- Minister
- Ashwini Vaishnaw
- MP
- Sanjay Singh
- Online Booking Usage
- 87% of reserved tickets