Do IRCTC Charges Rs 13 Extra for Online Train Ticket Booking?

When it comes to booking train tickets through IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), there are additional fees that passengers need to be aware of. This article delves into the charges levied by IRCTC, specifically focusing on the convenience fee and payment gateway fee.

Additional Charges on IRCTC Ticket Booking

No, IRCTC does charge a service fee for booking train tickets online. This charge is applicable on every PNR (Passenger Name Record) booked, and not on a per-passenger basis. The details of these charges are listed below:

Non-AC PNR: Rs. 15 per PNR AC PNR: Rs. 30 per PNR

These charges are imposed to cover the services provided by IRCTC and other associated costs. It is important for passengers to understand that every booking triggers these fees, regardless of the number of passengers in the PNR.

Details of the Convenience Fee

IRCTC has a well-documented policy regarding the convenience fee. According to the latest updates, the charges are structured as follows:

Non-AC ticket: Rs. 17.70 per PNR AC ticket: Rs. 34.40 per PNR

These fees are levied on a per PNR basis, indicating that each PNR incurs its own service charge irrespective of the number of passengers. This policy aligns with the practice since the introduction of the online ticketing facility in 2002.

Role of Payment Gateway Fees

In addition to the convenience fee, a payment gateway fee is also charged. The amount of this fee varies depending on the mode of payment used by the passenger. Details about the payment gateway fee can be found on the official IRCTC website, where passengers can review the applicable charges before completing their payment process.

History of IRCTC Fees

IRCTC charges these service fees under the premise of covering operational costs and incentivizing digital payments. Notably, the service charges were temporarily withdrawn in November 2016 to promote digital transactions. However, with the resumption of these charges, IRCTC intends to ensure transparency and ease of operation for its users.

Group Tickets and Negligible Additional Charges

When booking group tickets for four or more passengers, the additional charges become relatively insignificant. This makes it more cost-effective for groups to book multiple tickets together. However, for individual or small group bookings, these fees may seem higher and more noticeable.

Conclusion

Understanding and accepting the additional fees charged by IRCTC is crucial for smooth online train ticket booking. Passengers should be aware of these charges and plan accordingly to avoid any surprises. For detailed information, it is advisable to visit the official IRCTC website and review the current fee structure.

By staying informed, passengers can make well-informed decisions about their train ticket bookings, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.