Indian Railways is planning to introduce a large-scale loyalty program aimed at providing special benefits to frequent train travellers. The initiative is designed to enhance passenger experience and retain travellers who are increasingly opting for budget airlines and other modes of transport.
Under the proposed program, passengers who frequently travel by train will receive reward points based on the distance travelled per kilometre. These points can later be redeemed for several benefits, including discounts on ticket fares, free meals during travel, and access to premium services.
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According to a senior railway board official, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) portal will be upgraded to function similar to a digital wallet. The reward points will be credited directly to passengers’ Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts, ensuring transparency and reducing the possibility of fraud. Travellers covering longer distances will earn more points, which can be used like cash while booking tickets or availing railway services.
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The scheme is expected to be launched as a pilot project from April on premium trains such as Vande Bharat Express and Tejas Express. If successful, the program may later be expanded to include all mail and express trains across the country.
Railway officials claim that the initiative could become the largest loyalty program in the world, covering more than 7,000 railway stations, thousands of kilometres of train routes, and nearly 30 million passengers who travel daily on Indian Railways.
Passengers participating in the program may receive multiple benefits through reward points. These include discounts on base ticket fares, free train tickets based on accumulated points, access to luxury railway lounges at stations, and complimentary meals ordered through e-catering services during travel.
In addition, travellers may also be able to upgrade their tickets using reward points, such as moving from Third AC to Second AC or from Second AC to First AC, depending on availability.
Railway officials say the loyalty program is part of a broader strategy to counter the growing competition from budget airlines and luxury bus services, which have been attracting travellers, especially on shorter routes. By offering rewards and improved services, the railway network aims to retain passengers and make train travel more attractive.
Authorities also indicated that the value of reward points may be increased during off-season travel periods, encouraging passengers to book tickets and helping railways ensure better seat occupancy across routes.
