The Indian Railways has introduced a new "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) facility that allows passengers to book train tickets without paying upfront. Here’s everything you need to know about this convenient feature and how to use it.
What is the Buy Now, Pay Later Scheme?
The BNPL service is designed to make train travel more accessible, especially for passengers who may not have funds available at the time of booking. With this feature, travelers can reserve their tickets online without making an immediate payment. They are required to settle the payment within 14 days of booking.
This scheme is similar to the "Pay Later" options offered by popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, providing flexibility to passengers in managing their travel expenses.
How Does the Scheme Work?
- Online-Only Feature: The facility is available exclusively for online bookings through the IRCTC app or the official IRCTC website.
- No Upfront Payment: Passengers can book tickets without paying upfront.
- 14-Day Payment Window: After booking, passengers have 14 days to complete the payment.
- Late Payment Fee: If payment is not made within 14 days, a 3.5% service charge is applied.
How to Use the Buy Now, Pay Later Feature?
Log in to IRCTC: Open the IRCTC app or visit the IRCTC website.
Book Your Ticket: Enter travel details and proceed with ticket booking as usual.
Select BNPL Option: At the payment stage, choose the "Buy Now, Pay Later" option.
Confirm Booking: Complete your booking without making any immediate payment.
Pay Later: Settle the amount within the 14-day window via available payment methods.
Who Can Benefit?
This scheme is ideal for passengers who:
- Face a temporary shortage of funds at the time of booking.
- Need to make last-minute travel plans.
- Want flexibility in managing travel expenses.
Key Points to Remember
- The BNPL service is only available for online ticket bookings. It cannot be availed for offline reservations made at railway counters.
- No additional charges are applied if payment is made within the specified 14-day window.
- Failure to pay within the deadline incurs a 3.5% service fee.
Conclusion
The Buy Now, Pay Later scheme by Indian Railways is a game-changer, offering convenience and flexibility for passengers. Whether you're planning an urgent trip or managing finances, this feature ensures you can book your train tickets hassle-free.
For more information and to use this facility, visit the official IRCTC website or download the IRCTC app today.