Highlights
ixigo Introduces Innovative Travel Assurance for Train Travellers
In a strategic effort to solidify its foothold in the flourishing online travel industry, ixigo has rolled out a unique travel assurance feature specifically designed for train passengers. This initiative is aimed at building user confidence and providing greater flexibility for those planning their trips, particularly in light of escalating competition from companies such as MakeMyTrip.
Outstanding Refund Policy
The newly introduced feature boasts a commendable triple refund guarantee. Key aspects of this policy include:
- Complete refund of ticket fare if a waitlisted PNR does not get confirmed.
- Extra compensation amounting to double the ticket price credited back to the traveller’s account.
This forward-thinking approach addresses the prevalent issue of lengthy waitlists during busy travel periods, safeguarding passengers from unexpected fare hikes that might occur at the last minute.
Simplified Last-Minute Travel Options
Additionally, this offering enables users to effortlessly discover and secure their preferred last-minute travel choices. Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ixigo trains, recently commented that this initiative aims to boost both reliability and convenience for train passengers. He expressed that “Our goal is to provide significant financial benefits while allowing travellers the freedom to rebook through various options without the stress of sudden price increases.”
Trends in the Current Market
Ixigo’s recent enhancement arrives just after MakeMyTrip implemented a similar threefold refund policy in 2021. With around 53% (approximately ₹110 crore) of its revenue coming from train bookings as noted last quarter, this new feature is likely to resonate positively with its target demographic. In Q2 FY25, ixigo reported total revenues of ₹206 crore along with a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹13 crore. Conversely, MakeMyTrip, the leading online travel agency in India, recorded revenues of ₹1,772 crore for Q2 FY25; however, only ₹185 crore (10%) was directly linked to train bookings.
This competitive environment underscores the commitment of both companies to innovate and improve customer experiences within India’s vibrant travel market.