IMPS Payment Method In IRCTC: Does It Speed Up Booking Transaction

IRCTC has introduced a new payment option called Inter Mobile Payment service (IMPS). As of now, Credit Card/Debit Card or a net banking facility were used to pay for tickets and now you have one more option. From now on, those who don’t have these facilities will be able to make payments via IMPS.

What is IMPS in IRCTC?

IMPS enables mobile banking users a facility to make payment to merchants and enterprises, through various access channels such as Internet, mobile Internet, IVR, SMS, USSD.

You need to have IMPS service enabled on your bank account to use this payment method. Most of the banks have this facility.

How to use IMPS in IRCTC?

Booking procedure remains same however change is while selecting payment option. Under Mobile/Net Banking, you will find IMPS (Interbank Mobile Payment).

This is managed by SBI payment gateway, The customer shall be asked to enter following credentials
1. Customer mobile number
2. Customer MMID
3. OTP (One-Time Password)

First two things are available already with customer but the problem is with OTP which has to be generated on time and has its expiry date. Generating OTP depends on your bank. Some have mobile application or there is a SMS code to get it. You can refer this page for more on IMPS OTP.

Does it Speed up IRCTC Booking?

That was my first question when I came to know about this new payment method. While booking train tickets from IRCTC website, one thing matters is speed especially while tatkal. We strive to use the payment method which will work fast as well as in few number of steps.

IMPS could have been the fastest way of payment on IRCTC only if it didn’t include OTP generation. You have to carry out extra steps from mobile phone and wait for bank’s response which again eats up time.

I am waiting for Rolling Deposit Scheme (RDS) which involves depositing money into IRCTC account and using to transact online while booking. This would save time wasted logging in into banking site and cut off many steps discussed above. Also, chances of failure of transaction will be lowered. What do you think?