Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd
NSE:IRCTC
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd
In the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent, where nearly 23 million people embark on journeys by rail each day, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) stands as a crucial pillar. Originating in 1999 as an ancillary arm of the Indian Railways, IRCTC was tasked with transforming the passenger experience both on and off the rails. With a digital footprint that intertwines with the daily lives of millions, IRCTC revolutionized ticketing in India through its comprehensive online platform. This online portal became the backbone of its operations, simplifying the complexities of booking and serving as a streamlined interface between the passengers and the vast railway network. As this digital service flourished, revenue streams flowed not only from the commissions on ticket sales but also through various convenience charges and partnerships with financial service providers.
Beyond the realm of ticketing, IRCTC has diversified into areas that cater to the broader experiences associated with train travel. It found rich avenues in on-board catering, offering a multitude of meal options to passengers, which range from budget-friendly to premium, all tailored to cater to the diverse Indian palate. These services consistently add value, enhancing the travel experience and contributing to its revenue. Moreover, IRCTC plays an integral role in promoting tourism with packages that blend rail travel with curated experiences, opening up unexplored destinations. With its strategic ventures into bottled water under the 'Rail Neer' brand and exploratory digital projects in hospitality, IRCTC continues to evolve, tapping into the intertwined needs of travel, convenience, and leisure. Through these multifaceted streams, it sustains its mission to enrich and simplify the journey for its passengers, all while ensuring steady growth and profitability.
In the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent, where nearly 23 million people embark on journeys by rail each day, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) stands as a crucial pillar. Originating in 1999 as an ancillary arm of the Indian Railways, IRCTC was tasked with transforming the passenger experience both on and off the rails. With a digital footprint that intertwines with the daily lives of millions, IRCTC revolutionized ticketing in India through its comprehensive online platform. This online portal became the backbone of its operations, simplifying the complexities of booking and serving as a streamlined interface between the passengers and the vast railway network. As this digital service flourished, revenue streams flowed not only from the commissions on ticket sales but also through various convenience charges and partnerships with financial service providers.
Beyond the realm of ticketing, IRCTC has diversified into areas that cater to the broader experiences associated with train travel. It found rich avenues in on-board catering, offering a multitude of meal options to passengers, which range from budget-friendly to premium, all tailored to cater to the diverse Indian palate. These services consistently add value, enhancing the travel experience and contributing to its revenue. Moreover, IRCTC plays an integral role in promoting tourism with packages that blend rail travel with curated experiences, opening up unexplored destinations. With its strategic ventures into bottled water under the 'Rail Neer' brand and exploratory digital projects in hospitality, IRCTC continues to evolve, tapping into the intertwined needs of travel, convenience, and leisure. Through these multifaceted streams, it sustains its mission to enrich and simplify the journey for its passengers, all while ensuring steady growth and profitability.
Record Results: IRCTC posted its highest-ever revenue and profit in Q3 FY '26, with revenue from operations up 18.2% and PAT up 15.5% year-on-year.
Segment Growth: All core segments—Internet ticketing, catering, Rail Neer, and tourism—delivered growth, supported by new train launches and improved efficiency.
Catering Expansion: Catering revenue jumped 19.1% due to the addition of 40 new trains, including Vande Bharat services, though margins were slightly lower from higher GST and license fee structure.
Strong Digital Penetration: Around 89% of reserved railway tickets now booked online, and UPI share of transactions increased to 50.18%.
Capacity Investments: Plans to double capacity at existing Rail Neer plants and commission four new ones, targeting a 25–30% capacity increase in 1.5 years.
Tourism Outperformance: Tourism revenue grew 29% YoY, led by luxury and themed trains, air ticketing, and new products.
Resilient Outlook: Management expects to sustain a 15% growth rate for the year, with ongoing focus on operational efficiency, digital initiatives, and cross-selling.
