Indian Railways online passenger information system is pretty neat. It helps one to check their ticket status, check trains between two stations and also availability. I use this site regularly before going to the railway station to book tickets. Infact, there are plans afoot to perform the reservations online by this year-end in major metros.

But, I am appalled by the way Indian Railways treats persons booking tickets using credit cards. There is usually one counter that accepts credit card. They tend to accept only credit cards issued by Standard Chartered Bank.( I've heard that a few booking counters accept other credit cards, but, mostly it is only SCB). They charge an extra Rs.30/- on the ticket, if credit card is used. I can never understand this policy. Why the extra amount? That is not all - They also write explicitly that there is no refund, if the ticket purchased using credit card is cancelled. What? I am not sure what stops them from cancelling the credit card transaction.

I hope they would stop practising these inhibitory policies. I am not sure what they gain? They tend to lose a lot by following these policies.
The last few months, I have been extensively travelling to Chennai and at times when I am low in cash, I would like to use the credit card for buying tickets. But, these policies dissuade me from doing it.