IRCTC , the e-ticketing and catering arm of Indian Railways, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. Jagtosh Shukla, an experienced Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, has been appointed as the new Group General Manager for IT-II, effective January 22, 2025.

Seasoned Railway Professional Takes the Helm

Shukla brings a wealth of experience to his new role at IRCTC. With over 16 years of service in Indian Railways, he joins the corporation from his previous position as SG/IRTS, PO/RCT/LKO/NR. His appointment comes as part of a strategic move to strengthen IRCTC's IT capabilities, which are crucial for the company's core e-ticketing operations.

Appointment Details

The appointment was formalized through HRD Officer Order No. 05/2025, dated January 23, 2025. According to the order, Shukla's deputation to IRCTC follows the usual terms and conditions set for such transfers within the railway ecosystem.

Implications for IRCTC

This appointment underscores IRCTC's commitment to enhancing its technological infrastructure. As Group General Manager for IT-II, Shukla is expected to play a pivotal role in overseeing and potentially upgrading the corporation's IT systems, which are integral to its operations in e-ticketing, catering services, and tourism offerings.

Shukla's extensive background in the Indian Railways positions him well to understand the unique challenges and opportunities in IRCTC's technology-driven services. His insights could prove valuable in aligning IT strategies with the broader goals of improving passenger services and operational efficiency.

As IRCTC continues to evolve in the digital age, strengthening its IT leadership is a strategic move that could potentially lead to improved services and innovation in railway-related technology solutions.

The corporation's stakeholders will likely be watching closely to see how this new appointment influences IRCTC's technological direction and service delivery in the coming years.

IRCTC has reported a consolidated net profit of ₹330.70 crore for the first quarter, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. The company's revenue grew by 3.8% to ₹1,159.68 crore, maintaining a robust EBITDA margin of 34.3%.

Segment Performance

IRCTC's performance was driven by strong growth in key segments:

• Internet Ticketing: Revenue rose by 9.12% to ₹360.00 crore, with an impressive EBITDA margin of 84%. The segment now accounts for 87.78% of total reserved tickets on Indian Railways.
• Tourism: This segment posted an impressive 21.3% growth, reaching ₹148.00 crore in revenue, despite challenges from geopolitical events.
• Rail Neer: The packaged drinking water business reported steady revenue of ₹106.00 crore, with improved capacity utilization at 87.04%.

However, the Catering segment experienced a slight decline of 2.15%, with revenue at ₹547.00 crore. This was primarily due to the absence of election special trains that had boosted revenue in the previous year.

New Initiatives and Expansion Plans

IRCTC is actively pursuing several growth initiatives:

1. Payment Gateway Services: The company has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for payment gateway and aggregation services. IRCTC plans to apply for an RVL License within six months, which will allow it to serve government and private organizations beyond its internal customers.

2. AI-Powered Monetization: Plans are underway to monetize websites using artificial intelligence, with a tender for advertisement rights in the pipeline.

3. Tourism Expansion: IRCTC is adding a new rake to its Bharat Gaurav train fleet and has introduced new circuits such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit and Dev Bhoomi Kedarnath Kartik Swami tour.

4. Capacity Expansion: The company has board approval for four new plants, with expansion planned at existing facilities in Danapur and Ambernath.

Operational Highlights

• IRCTC processed ₹13,000.00 crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) through internal business last year.
• The company booked 12.63 crore tickets in Q1, with AC tickets accounting for 6.40 crore and non-AC tickets for 4.74 crore.
• UPI transactions now account for 48.72% of internet ticketing payments.

Future Outlook

IRCTC's management expressed confidence in sustaining the positive trajectory, backed by operational excellence and a strong digital backbone. The company is focusing on expanding its non-convenience fee revenue streams and leveraging its new payment gateway capabilities to drive future growth.

As IRCTC continues to diversify its services and improve operational efficiency, it remains well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for digital ticketing and travel-related services in India.