Obnews Tech Desk: If you travel by train, then during ticket booking, the question will definitely come whether to buy tickets online or from the counter? Usually, online train ticket prices are higher than tickets purchased from the counter. But why does this happen? Do passengers booking online tickets get any additional facility? Let's know the real reason behind this.

Why is online tickets expensive?

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav answered this question in Rajya Sabha. He informed that on booking online tickets through Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), passengers are charged with convenience fees and transactions. This is the reason that online ticket prices are higher than tickets purchased from the railway counter.

According to the Railway Minister, IRCTC spends a large amount to maintain and upgrade online ticketing infrastructure. To make up for this expense, IRCTC concerts charge fees. Apart from this, the bank transaction charge is also another reason to increase the ticket price.

What is the benefit of passengers from online tickets?

Even if the online ticket price is slightly higher, it also has many benefits –

• Time savings: Online ticket booking does not require passengers to stand in long lines at the reservation counter of the railway station.
• Transportation cost savings: The cost of going to the station and returning from there is saved.
• Seat selection: Passengers can already choose the seat of their choice.
• Food service facility: Passengers can book their food before the journey.
• Ticket booking from anywhere: Tickets can be booked from mobile or computer anytime and anywhere.

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Is it better to take offline tickets?

If you want to save a few rupees and are ready to go to the railway station and get in line, then taking tickets from the counter can be a cheaper option. But, if you want facility and time savings, online ticket booking is more beneficial.

Benefits and disadvantages

Both online and offline tickets have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to avoid long lines, want to choose a seat of your choice and book food facilities in advance, then online ticket booking is the best option. However, for this you will have to pay a little higher price, as it includes convenience fees and transactions charge.