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Business
Indian Railways Sees 89% of Ticket Sales Online, Counter Sales Plummet to 11%
✍️ Indian Express
🗓 22 Jul 2026, 05:11 PM
👁 2
Indian Railways reports that 89% of all train tickets are now sold online, while sales at physical counters have fallen to 11%.
Indian Railways has announced a significant shift in ticketing patterns, with 89% of all train tickets being booked through its online platforms. The remaining 11% are sold at traditional ticket counters across the country.
The data, released by the Ministry of Railways, highlights a rapid adoption of digital booking tools such as the IRCTC website and mobile app. Passengers are increasingly opting for the convenience of online reservations, especially during peak travel seasons.
Railway officials attribute the decline in counter sales to a combination of factors: improved internet penetration, the introduction of user‑friendly mobile apps, and a push for cashless transactions. The shift also aligns with the government’s broader digitalisation agenda.
While the move boosts efficiency and reduces queue times, it also raises concerns about accessibility for passengers who lack internet access or digital literacy. The railway has pledged to maintain a network of counters in remote areas to serve all travelers.
The data, released by the Ministry of Railways, highlights a rapid adoption of digital booking tools such as the IRCTC website and mobile app. Passengers are increasingly opting for the convenience of online reservations, especially during peak travel seasons.
Railway officials attribute the decline in counter sales to a combination of factors: improved internet penetration, the introduction of user‑friendly mobile apps, and a push for cashless transactions. The shift also aligns with the government’s broader digitalisation agenda.
While the move boosts efficiency and reduces queue times, it also raises concerns about accessibility for passengers who lack internet access or digital literacy. The railway has pledged to maintain a network of counters in remote areas to serve all travelers.