News

Ixigo Ups the Ante with Trip Guarantee Feature for Train Travelers

Ixigo, the Gurugram-based online travel aggregator, is shaking up the travel industry by introducing a trip guarantee feature tailored for train travelers. This bold move positions the company as a formidable competitor to MakeMyTrip (MMT), which has been a dominant player in the online travel space.

The new feature, offering 3X compensation for unconfirmed train tickets, highlights Ixigo’s commitment to addressing common travel pain points. Travelers now have a safety net that ensures greater financial value and added convenience.

A Bold Refund Scheme with Unique Benefits

Ixigo’s trip guarantee feature stands out with its 3X refund offer. If a passenger’s waitlisted PNR (Passenger Name Record) remains unconfirmed, the user gets:

  • 1X ticket refund
  • 2X wallet refund

This scheme not only covers monetary losses but also encourages travelers to explore last-minute alternatives without the fear of rising fares. Imagine missing out on a confirmed ticket and still walking away with options and financial reassurance—it’s a game changer.

Ixigo app train ticket booking

This initiative aims to alleviate the frustration of long waitlists, particularly during holiday seasons when train tickets are in high demand. With the added incentive of significant compensation, the feature could make Ixigo a preferred choice for train travelers across the country.

How Ixigo Compares to MakeMyTrip

Ixigo isn’t the first to bring such a feature to the table. Back in 2021, MakeMyTrip rolled out a similar scheme with 3X refunds. However, Ixigo’s approach seems more tailored for train travelers, a segment where the platform has a strong foothold.

Recent data highlights Ixigo’s dominance in this space:

  • Train bookings contributed to 53% (Rs 110 crore) of the company’s revenue last quarter.
  • Ixigo’s total revenue stood at Rs 206 crore in Q2 FY25, with a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 13 crore.

In contrast, MakeMyTrip reported Rs 1,772 crore in revenue for the same period but did not break down its earnings from train bookings. This lack of granularity underscores Ixigo’s focused strategy in this niche.

Addressing Pain Points for Travelers

Train travel in India often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to ticket confirmation. Long waitlists during peak seasons can leave travelers scrambling for alternatives. Ixigo’s new feature directly tackles this issue by:

  1. Offering a financial safety net for unconfirmed tickets.
  2. Providing flexibility to rebook using alternative options.
  3. Shielding travelers from last-minute fare hikes, which can add significant stress to travel planning.

CEO Dinesh Kumar Kotha expressed optimism about the impact of this feature, emphasizing its role in making train travel more reliable and hassle-free.

The Bigger Picture

With its trip guarantee feature, Ixigo is reinforcing its position as a leader in the train travel category. This strategic move not only strengthens its competitive edge against MakeMyTrip but also enhances its appeal to the growing segment of digital-first travelers.

While MakeMyTrip remains the larger player in terms of overall revenue, Ixigo’s focused efforts in the train travel domain could lead to greater user retention and market share growth. As the competition heats up, travelers stand to benefit the most, enjoying innovative features and improved experiences.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *