Indian Railways and IRCTC have quietly rolled out two new updates that could significantly change your travel experience. One focuses on passenger safety and transparency through QR-coded vendor ID cards, while the other offers an attractive 20% discount on train tickets—though with a small but important catch.

If you’re a frequent train traveler, or even someone planning a one-off trip during the festive season, these updates are worth understanding in detail. Let’s break them down step by step so you know exactly how they work, why they matter, and how you can benefit without falling into any hidden pitfalls.

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Introduction – Why These Updates Matter

Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest and busiest rail networks, carrying millions of passengers daily. With such a huge system, even a small operational change can impact the travel experience of millions.

The two latest updates from IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) aim to tackle two entirely different issues:

• Passenger safety and vendor authenticity – by ensuring that passengers can quickly identify whether a vendor is officially authorised.
• Boosting travel demand during specific periods – by offering a discount scheme that incentivises advance bookings for certain dates.

Let’s start with the first change, which deals with something you’ve probably faced on a train journey: uncertainty over whether the vendor selling food or drinks is genuine.

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The First Update – QR Codes on IRCTC Vendor ID Cards

IRCTC vendors are the authorised sellers of food, beverages, and other onboard services. But until now, it was not always easy for passengers to verify who was genuine.

With the new system, every IRCTC vendor’s ID card will carry a unique QR code. This code can be scanned by passengers to see the vendor’s verified details.

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How This QR Code System Works

Here’s the simple process:

1. The vendor wears an official IRCTC ID card with a visible QR code.
2. Passengers can use their smartphone camera or any QR code scanner app to scan the code.
3. Once scanned, the system will display the vendor’s official details, which can include:
   • Full name of the vendor
   • License number issued by IRCTC
   • Aadhaar card number (or partial display for privacy)
   • Police verification status
4. If no QR code is present—or if the code fails to show official details—it’s a strong indicator that the vendor is not authorised.

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Why QR Codes on Vendor IDs Were Needed

This update wasn’t random. It’s a direct response to recurring passenger complaints and safety concerns.
Earlier, it was common for passengers to be approached by sellers inside trains or on platforms who claimed to be IRCTC vendors but were actually local, unauthorised sellers.

This often led to:

• Overcharging
• Selling of unhygienic food
• Confusion during disputes, as it was hard to prove whether the vendor was genuine

The QR code system removes the guesswork.

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Benefits for Passengers

From a passenger’s perspective, this small change brings big advantages:

• Instant verification – No need to argue or ask for proof; just scan and know.
• Better safety – Ensures food and products are from verified sources.
• Accountability – Vendors know they can be reported easily if service is poor.
• Fraud reduction – Makes it harder for unauthorised sellers to operate.

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First Implementation – Varanasi Railway Station

The Varanasi railway station is the first in the Indian Railways network to implement this change.

According to IRCTC’s Varanasi division, 38 authorised vendors have already been issued QR-coded ID cards here. The plan is to roll out this system gradually to other stations and eventually to all trains.

So, if you’re travelling from Varanasi, you can try this feature right now.

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The Second Update – 20% Discount on Train Tickets

Now, let’s move on to the update that directly affects your wallet. IRCTC has launched a 20% discount scheme on train tickets for certain travel dates.

The aim here is to fill trains during specific periods by encouraging advance bookings.

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Travel Dates Covered by This Offer

The offer applies to two sets of travel dates:

• Onward journey: 13 October 2025 to 26 October 2025
• Return journey: 17 November 2025 to 1 December 2025

Bookings for these dates have already opened.

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How to Book to Get the 20% Discount

The discount is only applied if you book both onward and return tickets together for the specified dates.

You can do this through:

• The official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in)
• The Rail One app (also known as RailYatri or Rail Connect, depending on your version – check for updates)

When you select eligible dates for both journeys, the system automatically applies the 20% discount to your fare.

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The Important Drawback – No Refund on Cancellations

Here’s the catch:

• If you cancel your ticket booked under this 20% discount scheme, you will not get any refund.
• This rule applies even if you cancel well in advance, similar to how the Tatkal scheme works.

So, while you save 20% upfront, cancelling will mean losing the entire ticket cost.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Under This Scheme

Let’s go through the booking process:

1. Update your app – Make sure the IRCTC or Rail One app is updated to the latest version.
2. Choose travel dates – Pick an onward date between 13 and 26 October 2025, and a return date between 17 November and 1 December 2025.
3. Select your train – The discount will apply to eligible trains as per IRCTC rules.
4. Book both journeys together – Add both tickets in one booking session.
5. Verify discount – Ensure the 20% discount is shown before making payment.
6. Make payment – Proceed using your preferred method.
7. Save ticket details – Keep a copy of your booking in case of travel disputes.

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Tips to Avoid Losing Money

Given the no-refund policy, here’s how to minimise risks:

• Confirm your travel dates before booking.
• Avoid last-minute plans that may change.
• Check train status for possible delays before finalising.
• Travel insurance (if offered) might help in case of emergencies, but check terms.

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FAQs – Your Questions Answered

Q: What happens if the QR code on a vendor’s card doesn’t scan?
A: It could mean the vendor is unauthorised, or there is a technical issue. Report this immediately to the railway staff or through the IRCTC complaint portal.

Q: Can I book the onward and return tickets separately for the discount?
A: No, the discount applies only when both are booked together in the same transaction.

Q: Will the discount apply to all classes?
A: The scheme details suggest it applies to eligible classes as specified by IRCTC. Always check the booking screen for confirmation.

Q: Is the QR code system available on all trains now?
A: Not yet. It’s starting with Varanasi station vendors and will expand gradually.

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Final Thoughts

Both updates show IRCTC’s effort to improve passenger safety and make travel more appealing.

• The QR code system is a step forward in ensuring transparency and reducing fraud.
• The 20% discount scheme can genuinely save you money—if you’re sure your travel plans are fixed.

However, the no-refund rule means you should treat the discounted booking like a Tatkal ticket: only book if you’re 100% certain.

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Tags: IRCTC updates, Indian Railways news, QR code vendor ID, train ticket discount, Varanasi railway station, IRCTC booking tips, Indian Railways safety, IRCTC refund rules, train travel guide India, Rail One app

Hashtags: #IRCTC #IndianRailways #TrainTravel #TravelSafety #TicketDiscount #VaranasiStation #RailwayNews #TravelTips #IndiaTravel #QRcode

Mark Sullivan

Mark is a professional journalist with 15+ years in technology reporting. Having worked with international publications and covered everything from software updates to global tech regulations, he combines speed with accuracy. His deep experience in journalism ensures readers get well-researched and trustworthy news updates.

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