In a bid to promote digital payments

In a bid to promote digital payments, the Railway Ministry announced that passengers booking unreserved tickets through the RailOne app will now receive a 3% discount when using any digital payment method. This new incentive will be available for a period of six months, starting January 14, 2026, and running until July 14, 2026.

Currently, passengers can avail a 3% cashback only when making payments through the RailOne app’s R-wallet. The latest move expands the benefit, allowing travelers to enjoy discounts regardless of which digital payment method they use.

Upfront Discount to Encourage Cashless Transactions

The Railway Ministry communicated the decision in a letter to the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) on December 30, directing the necessary software updates to implement the scheme.

“In order to proliferate digital booking, it has been decided to provide a 3% discount for unreserved tickets booked via all digital payment modes on RailOne app,” the ministry stated. While the current R-wallet cashback system will continue, the new policy ensures passengers receive an upfront discount at the time of purchase, rather than cashback after payment.

A ministry official explained, “In the existing system, 3% cashback is offered to passengers paying through R-wallet. Under the new scheme, a 3% discount will be applied instantly for any digital payment method on the RailOne app.”

Exclusive to RailOne App

The Railway Ministry clarified that this discount is limited to the RailOne app and will not apply to any other ticketing platforms. This aligns with Indian Railways’ strategy to strengthen its digital infrastructure and encourage cashless transactions, particularly for unreserved travel, which forms a significant portion of daily passenger movement.

CRIS has been tasked with reviewing the implementation of this scheme and will provide feedback in May 2026, which may inform any future adjustments.

The initiative reflects the government’s broader push to make digital ticketing more accessible and convenient, while incentivizing passengers to adopt cashless payment methods for daily travel.

The proposal of 3 per cent discount shall be in force during the period 14.01.2026 to 14.07.2026. CRIS shall furnish the feedback of this proposal in May for further examination," it added.

The letter clarified that the existing 3 per cent cashback for bookings through R-wallet on RailOne app will continue

"In the existing system, 3 per cent cashback is offered to prospective passengers who purchase unreserved tickets on RailOne App and make payments through R-wallet. However, in the new offer, 3 per cent discount will be given to the purchasers of unreserved tickets on RailOne through all digital payment mode," a official said, clarifying that this offer is not available on any other online unreserved tickets purchase platform

By Advik Gupta