Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) reported 16% increase in standalone net profit for the December quarter to ₹394 crore over the year ago period and revenue of ₹1,449 crore against ₹1,225 crore, driven by strong growth in internet ticketing, catering, Rail Neer and tourism segments.
“Q3 FY26 stood out to be extremely encouraging with the highest-ever revenue and profitability in the company’s history. This reflects the strength of our operating model, resilient business segments and sustained momentum across core verticals,” said CMD Sanjay Kumar Jain during an analysts call.
Internet ticketing continued to be the most profitable segment, with revenue rising 13% YoY to ₹401 crore. Nearly 89% of reserved railway tickets in India are now booked through IRCTC’s online platform. Average daily ticket bookings increased to 14.64 lakh from 13.59 lakh a year ago, while UPI share rose to 50.18% from 46.86%.
Convenience fee revenue stood at ₹251 crore, while non-convenience revenue grew by 26% to ₹150 crore, as the company sharpened its focus on diversifying revenue streams.
The catering segment posted revenue of ₹661 crore, up 19%, though margins were impacted due to higher sales in train catering operations and pilot initiatives such as branded catering projects.
The planned induction of 260 Vande Bharat Express train sets is expected to further support catering revenues.
Rail Neer revenue rose 6.5% to ₹98 crore. The company is doubling capacity at its Danapur and Ambernath plants and has approved four new plants at Mysuru, Prayagraj, Bhagalpur and Ranchi, which will add 25–30% capacity over the next 18 months.
“Currently, 50–60% of demand is being serviced depending on the season. Even if we increase our capacity by close to 100%, we will still be able to accommodate demand,” said Jain adding that discussions are underway for potential brand tie-ups, though nothing has been finalised.
Tourism also recorded strong growth, with Maharaja revenue up 39% to ₹53.14 crore and State Teerth and Bharat Gaurav trains rising 51% to ₹118.91 crore. Tejas revenue stood at ₹50 crore, with occupancy at 69% for Lucknow and 109% for Ahmedabad.
Jain said the company remains focused on expanding new-age offerings, improving operational efficiencies and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, while expressing confidence in sustaining growth momentum supported by a strong financial position.
On the payment gateway business, Jain said growth would be in “arithmetical mode” rather than “geometric progression” until a licence is secured.