Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is an Indian public sector undertaking that provides ticketing, catering, and tourism services for the Indian Railways. The aim of the IRCTC is to handle online ticketing, oversee catering, and manage tourism operations in Indian Railways.
It was initially wholly owned by the Government of India and operated under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways but has been listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange since 2019, with the Government continuing to hold majority ownership.
Establishment and ownership
The IRCTC was established on 27 September 1999, as a public sector undertaking completely owned by the Government of India through the Indian Railways. It is the only entity that is authorised to provide certain services to the Indian Railways, including online ticketing, catering, and selling drinking water on trains and at railway stations. In May 2008, it was classed as a Miniratna public corporation, which allowed it a certain degree of financial autonomy.
The IRCTC was listed on the National Stock Exchange in 2019, following which the Government of India's holding was reduced to 87%, with the remaining shares being publicly traded. In December 2020, the Government of India divested another 20%, reducing its holding in the IRCTC to 67%.
Services
Online ticketing
It pioneered internet-based rail ticket booking through its website, as well as from mobile phones via WiFi, GPRS, or SMS. It also provides an SMS facility to check PNR status and Live Train Status as well. In addition to e-tickets, Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation also offers I-tickets that are basically like regular tickets except that they are booked online and delivered by post. The ticket's PNR status is made available. Commuters on the suburban rail can book season tickets through the website.
In 2011, it launched a loyalty program called Shubh Yatra for frequent travelers. Through this program, passengers could avail discounts on all tickets booked around the year by paying an upfront annual fee.
In order to make e-ticket booking easier, it launched the Rolling Deposit Scheme (RDS). RDS is an e-ticket booking scheme allowing passengers to reserve seats against advance money kept with the corporation. It also added flight and hotel booking facilities to their line of online reservation services.
On 11 August 2021, the organization introduced a smart card system for passengers traveling through unreserved train tickets which can be bought at railway stations to avoid long queues. These cards could also be recharged online.
Tatkal scheme
Under the Tatkal scheme, passengers who plan their journey at short notice can book their tickets for almost all Mail/Express trains through the Indian railway's internet portal. The booking starts at 10:00 AM daily for AC coach reservations and Non-AC timing is residual to 11.00 AM, one day before the departure of the train from the source station.
Tatkal E-tickets can be booked for selected trains one day in advance excluding the date of the journey from the train originating station. It can be booked on the opening day from 10:00 AM for the AC coach and 11:00 AM for NON-AC. Passengers traveling on Tatkal tickets should carry a photo ID proof along with them to be shown to the ticket checker.
In 2016, the website launched the Lite version which excluded ads, pop-ups, etc. Additionally, the passengers could also check PNR status.
Catering and hospitality
IRCTC introduced pantry cars inside long or medium distance trains which catered to passengers by serving freshly cooked food. IRCTC has exclusive rights for onboard catering of food on all trains operated by the Indian Railways. It also operates food plazas, Jan Aahar cafeterias and refreshment rooms at various railway stations.
In 2014, IRCTC launched e-catering services which allowed passengers to order food from partner restaurants online or through phone call and have it delivered to their seats.
At major railway stations, IRCTC also manages air-conditioned waiting lounges, retiring rooms and budget hotels in partnership with private entities.
Bottled water
IRCTC also owns the bottled water brand "Rail Neer" which is sold on trains and railway stations among other places. Rail Neer was launched in May 2003.