Digital leap: 89% of Indian Railway tickets now booked online, counter sales shrink to 11%

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways has reported that nearly 89 per cent of train tickets were booked online in the past year, with counter bookings falling to just 11 per cent. Between June 2025 and June 2026, a total of 65.08 crore reserved tickets were sold, of which 57.90 crore were purchased through digital platforms and only 7.18 crore at railway counters.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the sharp shift towards online booking follows the introduction of stricter measures to curb misuse by automated bots. The minister noted that the measures have successfully ensured that genuine passengers can access tickets without artificial scarcity.

The data reflects a broader trend of digital adoption in Indian Railways, which has invested heavily in its IRCTC platform and introduced features such as real-time seat availability, instant refunds, and tatkal booking facilities. The proportion of online tickets has risen steadily from about 80 per cent in 2023 to the current 89 per cent.

Counter sales, while reduced, remain important for passengers who lack digital literacy or internet access. The railways continue to operate reservation counters at all major stations, and the ministry said it has no plans to eliminate them entirely. However, the department is encouraging passengers to use online modes to reduce queues and waiting times.

The shift also has implications for revenue management: digital transactions reduce handling costs and improve data accuracy. The ministry is now focusing on integrating newer payment options and enhancing the user interface to make booking even more seamless.

Opposition members in Parliament raised concerns about the digital divide, noting that rural and elderly passengers often depend on counters. The minister assured that the railways are maintaining a hybrid model to ensure inclusive access.