Ixigo, the full-stack online travel aggregator (OTA), has launched a new travel guarantee feature aimed at train travelers, setting itself up as a direct competitor to MakeMyTrip. This innovative offering promises a 3X refund—1X as a ticket refund and 2X as a wallet refund—if a traveler’s waitlisted PNR does not confirm.
Key Features of Ixigo’s 3X Refund Guarantee
- Monetary Compensation:
Travelers receive 3X the value of their unconfirmed ticket, ensuring greater financial value and peace of mind. - Alternative Travel Options:
Passengers can explore and book last-minute travel alternatives without worrying about fare hikes during peak travel periods. - Convenience and Reliability:
The feature aims to mitigate the frustration of long waitlists and unexpected travel disruptions.
The Competitive Edge
Ixigo’s announcement places it in direct competition with MakeMyTrip, which introduced a similar 3X refund feature in 2021. The Gurugram-based Ixigo emphasizes the additional benefits of its service, including user empowerment and seamless rebooking options.
Ixigo’s Dominance in Train Bookings
Ixigo is a major player in the train-booking space, deriving 53% of its revenue (₹110 crore) from train bookings in the last quarter. The company reported total revenue of ₹206 crore and a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹13 crore in Q2 FY25.
In contrast, MakeMyTrip—the country’s largest OTA—recorded ₹1,772 crore in revenue for the same quarter, with just 10% (₹185 crore) coming from train bookings. This stark difference highlights Ixigo’s stronghold in the train-booking segment and its strategic focus on this market.
Aiming for Worry-Free Train Travel
Ixigo’s CEO, Dinesh Kumar Kotha, commented on the initiative, saying,
“This not only provides greater financial value but also empowers travelers to rebook their journey through alternate travel options without having to worry about last-minute fare hikes. With this initiative, we aim to make train travel more reliable, convenient, and worry-free for everyone.”
Why It Matters
For travelers, this new feature is particularly beneficial during peak travel seasons when waitlists and fare hikes are common. By offering compensation and alternative solutions, Ixigo seeks to redefine the train-travel experience while strengthening its market position.
With its competitive pricing and user-focused features, Ixigo is poised to challenge its rivals and further cement its dominance in the Indian OTA market.
