IRCTC has announced a reduction in the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of its popular Rail Neer bottled water, effective September 22, 2025. This price revision comes in the wake of a significant cut in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) from 18% to 5%.

Price Reduction Details

IRCTC has implemented the following price changes for Rail Neer bottles:

This price reduction translates to a ₹1.00 decrease for both 1-liter and 500 ml bottles, providing immediate relief to railway passengers and other consumers.

Government Directive and Passenger Benefit

The revision in Rail Neer prices is a direct result of the Ministry of Railways' approval, aimed at passing on the benefit of the reduced tax burden to railway passengers. This move aligns with the government's efforts to make essential commodities more affordable for the general public.

Official Notification

In an official intimation to the stock exchanges, IRCTC's Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, Suman Kalra, stated, "The above revision is in line with the directives of the Government and to pass on the benefit of the reduced tax burden to railway passengers."

Impact on Consumers

The price reduction is expected to be welcomed by millions of railway passengers and other consumers who rely on Rail Neer as a trusted source of packaged drinking water during their travels. This move not only makes hydration more affordable but also reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that tax benefits are passed on to end-consumers.

Market Implications

As IRCTC implements this price reduction, it may lead to increased competitiveness in the packaged drinking water segment, potentially influencing other players in the market to reconsider their pricing strategies.

The price revision demonstrates IRCTC's responsiveness to regulatory changes and its commitment to customer welfare. As the new prices take effect, it will be interesting to observe the impact on IRCTC's beverage segment revenues and overall market dynamics in the packaged drinking water industry.

IRCTC has announced a significant change in its leadership team. The Ministry of Railways has approved the appointment of Shri Manoj Kumar Sharma as the new Director of Catering Services for IRCTC.

Key Details of the Appointment

Background and Context

This appointment comes after a series of announcements regarding the entrustment of additional charge for the position of Director (Catering Services) at IRCTC. The company had previously made related disclosures to the stock exchanges on July 22, August 1, and September 9, 2025.

Official Communication

The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, conveyed this decision through a letter (No. 2024/E(O)II/40/15) dated September 19, 2025. The letter states that the Competent Authority has approved Sharma's appointment to the post on an immediate absorption basis.

Next Steps

IRCTC has informed the stock exchanges that the exact date when Shri Manoj Kumar Sharma will assume charge as Director (Catering Services) will be communicated in due course.

Company Compliance

This announcement was made by IRCTC in compliance with Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The information was shared with both the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

As IRCTC continues to play a crucial role in India's railway catering and tourism sector, this appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives to its catering services division.