Indian Railways to Mint MahaKumbh Mela Train Tickets on Polygon Blockchain

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The Indian Railways collaborates with blockchain company Chaincode Consulting to offer Non-Fungible Token (NFT) tickets as a novel method for train travel during the MahaKumbh Mela, an important Hindu gathering that occurs only once in 144 years.

Based on a statement made on January 13th, these companies opted for the Polygon blockchain to create their NFTs. They highlighted the blockchain’s scalability, swift transaction speeds, and affordable gas fees as essential elements that would drive this project forward.

Celebrating Culture with Blockchain Innovation

For the very first time, Indian Railways is utilizing blockchain technology to elevate a cultural event as grand as the MahaKumbh Mela. This event, held at the convergence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, represents one of India’s most significant spiritual gatherings.

Each year, countless pilgrims journey to immerse themselves in holy water, a practice rooted in faith that it washes away past mistakes and prepares the path towards spiritual redemption.

This festivity has strong roots in cultural and spiritual practices and enjoys recognition on a global scale. Every twelve years, the nation organizes a similar event known as the Kumbh Mela, which UNESCO designates as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Previously, notable individuals like actor Richard Gere, filmmaker David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama have graced such events. The upcoming MahaKumbh Mela in 2025 is expected to attract attendees from across the globe, with Laurene Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, being among them.

Through the distribution of NFT train tickets for this year’s event, Indian Railways intends to upgrade the pilgrimage journey and honor India’s rich cultural legacy.

New NFT Tickets Available on  NFTtrace

India’s embrace of blockchain technology coincides with its forward-thinking approach towards innovations within the digital currency sector. Earlier, the Indian Railways dabbled in blockchain experimentation by logging train ticket transactions on the Hyperledger blockchain and leveraging smart contracts to maintain transparency.

As a researcher embarking on this exciting new project, I’ve opted for the Polygon blockchain due to its impressive track record in environmental sustainability and its capability to manage high transaction volumes efficiently. The decision was further solidified by the promise that the NFT tickets we’ll be minting through their platform will deliver transparency, traceability, and reliability to countless travelers.

With this move, authorities and the public can now easily verify the authenticity of these tickets on the blockchain, enhancing security measures significantly. This added layer of protection is crucial in our quest for a seamless and trustworthy travel experience for all.

In this partnership, the NFTs will be accessible through Chaincode Consulting’s NFTtrace platform, a platform known for its expertise in tracking real-world assets. The companies have announced that these digital artworks won’t just function as train tickets, but also as keepsakes memorializing the travelers’ spiritual voyage.

Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, stated that by joining forces with IRCTC and utilizing the Polygon blockchain, we are offering a modern, digital-oriented experience for the Mahakumbh that respects its spiritual and cultural importance while enhancing interaction through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs),” he said.

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2025-01-13 17:58