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KKN Gurugram Desk | India's railway ticketing platform IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has launched a revolutionary digital payment option called ePayLater, providing significant relief to passengers who may not have sufficient funds while booking. This ‘book now, pay later’ scheme allows users to reserve train, flight, or tour tickets without making an immediate payment, and instead, pay within 14 days without any interest. For thousands of passengers who face last-minute travel emergencies or are short on funds at the time of booking, this feature could prove to be a game-changer. What Is ePayLater? A Digital Credit Solution for Travelers ePayLater is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) option available on both the IRCTC website and mobile app (iOS and Android). It allows passengers to complete bookings instantly without entering credit/debit card details or topping up wallets. Once the ticket is booked using ePayLater, the traveler receives 14 interest-free days to complete the payment. Key Highlights: No upfront payment required Applicable for trains, flights, and tour packages Zero interest if paid within 14 days No need for wallet balance or card details during booking Where Can You Use the ePayLater Option? 1. Train Ticket Bookings (General + Tatkal) Whether you're booking a general ticket or a Tatkal ticket (which are often time-sensitive and high-demand), ePayLater enables instant booking. This is particularly helpful as IRCTC books over 1 lakh Tatkal tickets per day, and many passengers miss out due to payment failures or lack of funds. With ePayLater, you can secure your seat and sort out payment later. 2. Flight Bookings Planning air travel via IRCTC? You can also choose the ePayLater option while booking domestic or international flights. Book your ticket quickly Pay later through credit, debit, UPI, or net banking No extra interest if settled within the 14-day window This can be especially useful for last-minute flight bookings where fare prices increase rapidly. 3. Tour Packages and Holiday Bookings Planning a vacation through IRCTC? ePayLater is also available for IRCTC tourism packages, including: Domestic tours International tour packages Pilgrimage circuits like Ramayan Yatra, Bharat Gaurav trains, etc. Travelers can book a complete package and manage the financial outlay over the following days—without worrying about instant payments. How Does the ePayLater System Work? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for using ePayLater on IRCTC: 🔹 Step 1: Log in to your IRCTC account Visit IRCTC.co.in or use the IRCTC Rail Connect app. 🔹 Step 2: Search and select your travel itinerary Enter your destination, date, class, and other travel details. 🔹 Step 3: At payment page, choose "ePayLater" Instead of selecting a debit/credit card or wallet, click on “ePayLater” as the payment option. 🔹 Step 4: Complete booking and confirm Your ticket is booked instantly. You’ll receive a reminder for payment. 🔹 Step 5: Pay within 14 days Log in to the ePayLater portal or follow the link in your email/SMS to settle the dues using UPI, net banking, or cards. Eligibility and Approval Process Not all users may be eligible for ePayLater instantly. Based on past IRCTC transactions, CIBIL score, and mobile KYC, approval is provided. Once approved, users receive a credit limit for booking. Pro tip: Keeping your IRCTC profile updated and using the platform regularly increases chances of ePayLater activation. Benefits of ePayLater for Common Passengers Benefit Impact Travel even without immediate funds Helps in emergencies or end-of-month crises No interest for 14 days Saves on credit card interest and loan EMIs Fast and secure booking Increases Tatkal success rates Reduces failed transactions Avoids payment gateway errors during booking Ideal for students, daily travelers Especially useful for low-income passengers Risks or Penalties for Delayed Payment While no interest is charged if payment is made within 14 days, missing the due date could lead to: Late payment fee Interest charges Blacklisting from ePayLater use Negative impact on credit score (CIBIL) Hence, it is advised to pay before the deadline to continue enjoying the facility. IRCTC's Vision: Making Travel More Inclusive and Cash-Light With India pushing towards a Digital India vision, IRCTC’s ePayLater service aligns with efforts to bring cashless and credit-enabled options to even the most common of travelers. Railway officials believe this move will especially benefit: Students, who often book Tatkal tickets with limited budgets Small vendors or workers who may travel frequently Tier-2 and Tier-3 city passengers with less banking access This also helps reduce crowding at ticket counters and improves the digital transaction ratio. Is It Safe to Use? Yes, ePayLater services on IRCTC are integrated with: PCI-DSS compliant payment systems Two-factor authentication Secure digital wallet providers Your data remains encrypted and all payments are routed through secure gateways. Future Expansion of ePayLater IRCTC may further expand ePayLater with: Customizable credit limits EMI options for higher-value bookings Integration with international bookings and hotel reservations App-based repayment reminders and auto-debit setups User Testimonials: What Travelers Are Saying Ravi Kumar, Patna – “I booked a Tatkal ticket when I didn’t have money in hand. Paid three days later when salary credited. Life saver!” Sana Sheikh, Mumbai – “Flight tickets during a family emergency were too expensive. Used ePayLater, booked instantly, paid later. Amazing feature!” Neha Verma, Delhi – “Using it for tour packages. No hassle of upfront payment. Hope IRCTC extends credit limit too.” IRCTC’s ePayLater scheme isn’t just a digital convenience—it’s a socially inclusive financial tool. By allowing users to book instantly and pay later without interest, it bridges the gap between travel urgency and financial availability. As more Indians go mobile and digital, such options are expected to democratize long-distance travel, especially for those who rely on railways as their primary mode of transport.

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