IRCTC has announced a significant change in its leadership team. Manoj Kumar Sharma has assumed the role of Director (Catering Services) at IRCTC, effective September 22, 2025. This appointment marks a new chapter in the company's catering division, bringing fresh expertise to the table.

A Seasoned Railway Professional

Manoj Kumar Sharma, an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer from the 1995 batch, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. With 28 years in the railway sector, Sharma has developed a diverse skill set that spans various crucial areas:

• Marketing and Business Development
• Operations and Transportation
• Project Development
• IT and Safety
• Vigilance and Planning

His extensive career has seen him work across four different zones of Indian Railways, including Northern Railway, Northeast Frontier Railway, North Eastern Railway, and South East Central Railway. This broad exposure equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the railway ecosystem in India.

Transition to IRCTC

Prior to this appointment, Sharma had been associated with IRCTC since March 12, 2024, serving as the Group General Manager for the North Zone. This previous role within IRCTC has likely provided him with valuable insights into the organization's operations and challenges, particularly in the catering services domain.

Appointment Details

The appointment of Manoj Kumar Sharma as Director (Catering Services) comes through an official letter from the Railway Board dated September 19, 2025. Key points regarding his appointment include:

• Sharma has been assigned the Director Identification Number (DIN) 11214123.
• He has assumed the charge on a regular basis, indicating a long-term commitment to the role.
• The company has confirmed that Sharma is not related to any existing directors or key management personnel of IRCTC.
• As of his appointment, Sharma does not hold any shares in the company.

Compliance and Transparency

In line with regulatory requirements, IRCTC has affirmed that Manoj Kumar Sharma has not been debarred from holding the office of director by any SEBI order or other authority. This compliance with SEBI Circular No. LIST/COMPI 14 12018-19 dated June 20, 2018, underscores IRCTC's commitment to maintaining high standards of corporate governance.

Looking Ahead

As IRCTC continues to play a crucial role in India's railway catering and tourism services, the appointment of Manoj Kumar Sharma as Director (Catering Services) is expected to bring new perspectives and strategies to enhance the company's catering operations. His extensive experience in various aspects of railway operations positions him well to contribute to IRCTC's growth and service quality improvements in the catering sector.

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.