IRCTC iPay: How Indian Railways' own payments gateway will benefit passengers

Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRTCTC ) launched its much-awaited payment aggregator system 'IRCTC iPay' on Thursday last. The new payment gateway aims to promote digital transactions in railway bookings and services. The railways' exclusive digital payment gateway is expected to provide better digital experience with improved online payment convenience to its rail passengers. The passengers availing online travel-related services through the website will now get more services for digital payments. The IRCTC takes care of the catering, tourism, and online ticketing operations of the Indian Railways.

IRCTC's official statement explained that IRCTC iPay will provide payment options like credit card, debit card, UPI — Unified Payment Interface, International Card. The passengers will not need any third-party platforms as the IRCTC iPay provides options of IRCTC prepaid card cum wallet, auto debit soon. 

How it will benefit Indian Railways passengers:

1. No more third party platforms: 

With iPay, the passengers will not be required to use any third-party platform for their payments. It will provide several payment options like credit card, debit card, unified payment interface, international card etc. 

2. Prepaid cum wallet:

The passengers will be able to book tickets through IRCTC digital wallets. The IRCTC will soon have a prepaid card-cum-wallet and auto debit options. 

3. Secured and safe Interface:

The IRCTC's new iPay is fully secured and safe as the railway unit has full control over the payment system. The IRCTC has a direct relationship with acquiring banks, card networks and other partners.

Watch this Zee Business video to know more about IRCTC iPay:

4. No more payment failures:

The gap between IRCTC and banks will be reduced. This will help in the reduction of digital payment failures, in case of bookings. 

5. No delays in case of errors:

The delays in payment error cases will no more be a problem as IRCTC can directly get in touch with the bank instead of relying on an intermediate source which usually delays the process.