Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation

2023-03-09T10:48:03Z

2405:201:3014:707C:6D81:C16B:F3EE:6A01: robot: Creating/updating articles

{{Short description|Indian catering, tourism and online railway ticketing company}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
| logo_size = 150px
| logo = IRCTC Logo.svg
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{BSE|542830}}|{{NSE|IRCTC}}}}
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|INE335Y01012}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1999|09|27|df=y|br=y}}
| location_city = [[New Delhi]]
| location_country = India
| key_people = Rajni Hasija, [[Indian Railway Accounts Service|IRAS]] {{small|([[Chairman]] & [[Managing Director|MD]])}}
| area_served = India
| industry = Railways
| services = {{plainlist|
*[[Electronic ticket|Online ticketing]]
*[[Catering]]
*[[Tourism]]
*[[Hospitality service]]s
}}
| owner = [[Government of India]] (67%)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Manghat |first1=Sajeet |title=IRCTC Is Turning Heads: Here's All You Need To Know |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/irctc-is-turning-heads-heres-all-you-need-to-know |website=BloombergQuint |access-date=15 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
| members = 20 million registered users<ref name="ndtv1"/>
| members_year = 2019
| revenue = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|2353.53|c}} (2020)<ref name="BalSheet">[https://www.irctc.com/assets/images/Audit%20Financial%20Results%20for%20the%20quarter%20and%20financial%20year%20ended%20March%2031,2020.pdf "Balance Sheet 31.03.2020"]. irctc.com (4 January 2019).</ref>
| operating_income = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|752.62|c}} (2020)<ref name="BalSheet"/>
| net_income = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|528.57|c}} (2020)<ref name="BalSheet"/>
| assets = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|3249.83|c}} (2020)<ref name="BalSheet"/>
| equity = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|1327.81|c}} (2020)<ref name="BalSheet"/>
| parent =
| subsid =
| caption =
| homepage ={{url|https://www.irctc.co.in}}
| dissolved =
| footnotes =
}}
'''Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation''' ('''IRCTC''') is an Indian [[public sector undertaking]] that provides ticketing, catering, and tourism services for the [[Indian Railways]]. It was initially wholly owned by the [[Government of India]] and operated under the administrative control of the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] but has been listed on the [[National Stock Exchange of India|National Stock Exchange]] since 2019, with the Government continuing to hold majority ownership.<ref name="ndtv1">{{cite web|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/new-irctc-servers-reduce-e-ticketing-downtime-by-15-minutes-748330|title=IRCTC Booking Time Window Extended by 15 Minutes|website=NDTV Gadgets360.com|language=en|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title=Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd.|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/company/i-r-c-t-c-23401/information/company-history|access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>

== Establishment and ownership ==
The IRCTC was established on 27 September 1999,<ref name="IRCTC His Ref1">{{cite news |title=Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd. |url=https://www.business-standard.com/company/i-r-c-t-c-23401/information/company-history |access-date=28 August 2021 |publisher=Business Standard India}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" />

The IRCTC was listed on the [[National Stock Exchange of India|National Stock Exchange]] in 2019, following which the Government of India's holding was reduced to 87%, with the remaining shares being publicly traded.<ref>{{cite web|title=IRCTC IPO off to a strong start, subscribed 81% amid strong demand from retail on Day 1|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/irctc-ipo-off-to-a-strong-start-subscribed-37-retail-fully-grabbed-4488731.html|access-date=1 October 2019|website=Moneycontrol}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Narayanan|first=KS Badri|title=With an oversubscription of 112 times, IRCTC’s stock offer is a showstopper|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stock-markets/at-over-111-times-irctc-ipo-gets-biggest-ever-subscription-for-psus/article29585681.ece|access-date=2020-12-18|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref> In December 2020, the Government of India divested another 20%, reducing its holding in the IRCTC to 67%.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IRCTC Offer For Sale Successful, Government Prunes Stake By 20%|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/irctc-offer-for-sale-successful-government-prunes-stake-by-20-2338093|access-date=2020-12-18|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kaur|first=Avneet|date=2020-12-16|title=11% down in a week, IRCTC share to come down after OFS share allotment: Analysts|url=https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/11-down-in-a-week-irctc-share-to-come-down-after-ofs-share-allotment-analysts-11608081746369.html|access-date=2020-12-18|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-11|title=Centre launches IRCTC share offer to raise Rs 4,374 crore|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/centre-launches-irctc-share-offer-to-raise-rs-4374-crore-7100268/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

==Services==
{{advert section|date=December 2018}}

===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 also made available. Commuters on the suburban rail can also book season tickets through the website. It has also launched a loyalty program called Shubh Yatra for frequent travelers. Through this program, passengers can avail of discounts on all tickets booked around the year by paying an upfront annual fee.

Seeking to make it easier to book e-tickets, It launched a scheme called Rolling Deposit Scheme (RDS). RDS is an e-ticket booking scheme allowing passengers to reserve seats against advance money kept with the corporation.<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/irctc-to-launch-rolling-deposit-scheme-for-e-ticket/articleshow/15902125.cms IRCTC to launch 'Rolling Deposit Scheme' for e-ticket – Economic Times]. economictimes.indiatimes.com (28 August 2012). Retrieved on 23 September 2013.</ref> It has also added flight and hotel booking facilities to their line of online reservation services.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Railways to introduce Rolling Deposit Scheme for E-Ticketing|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/08/irctc-website-gets-4x-faster-books-7200-tickets-per-minute/|access-date=31 August 2013}}</ref>

On 11 August 2021, the organisation introduced a smart card system for passengers traveling through unreserved train tickets which can be bought at railway stations and can help them to avoid long queues these cards can also be recharged online.<ref name="IRCTC Ref2">{{cite news |title=IRCTC Latest News: Now You Can Easily Recharge Smart Cards To Get Unreserved Train Tickets |url=https://www.india.com/business/irctc-latest-news-now-you-can-easily-recharge-smart-cards-to-get-unreserved-train-tickets-check-here-how-4882060/ |access-date=20 August 2021 |publisher=India News, Breaking News {{!}} India.com |date=11 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

====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.<ref>[http://www.indianrail.gov.in/tatkal_Scheme.html Welcome to Indian Railway Passenger reservation Enquiry]. Indianrail.gov.in (30 June 2006). Retrieved on 23 September 2013.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.services.irctc.co.in/beta_htmls/TatkalFaq.html|title=Frequently Asked Questions|website=www.services.irctc.co.in|access-date=10 June 2015|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101193315/http://www.services.irctc.co.in/beta_htmls/tatkalfaq.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Passengers traveling on Tatkal tickets should carry a photo ID proof along with them to be shown to the ticket checker. Earlier this year, the website launched the Lite version which doesn't include ads, pop-ups, etc., and check PNR status.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pnrstatusirctc.in/irctc-lite-version-tatkal-launched-know/|title=IRCTC Lite Version For Tatkal Launched|date=2016-05-28|work=PNRStatus(The ticket for an Indian Railways train consists of a 10-digit number)IRCTC.in|access-date=2017-05-15|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Catering and hospitality===
[[File:IRCTC Food Plaza.jpg|thumb|A food plaza at [[Valsad railway station|Valsad]].]]
IRCTC introduced [[pantry car]]s 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 [[Railway refreshment room|refreshment rooms]] at various railway stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=IRCTC orders closure of all onboard catering services in mail, express trains from Mar 22 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/irctc-orders-closure-of-all-onboard-catering-services-in-mail-express-trains-from-mar-22/articleshow/74736446.cms |access-date=12 August 2021 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=IRCTC to resume e-catering services in phases from February |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/irctc-to-resume-e-catering-services-in-phases-from-february-101611327786297.html |access-date=12 August 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

At major railway stations, IRCTC also manages air-conditioned waiting lounges, retiring rooms and budget hotels in partnership with private entities.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-03-07 |title=IRCTC Railway Retiring Room Booking Online |url=https://pnrstatusirctc.in/railway-retiring-room-booking-how-to-book/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=PNRStatusIRCTC.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=G |first1=Jasjeev |title=New Delhi Railway station: Luxury at railway station you may not know of |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/luxury-at-rly-station-you-may-not-know-of/articleshow/63071973.cms |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=26 February 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rly give permission to zonal divisions to decide on reopening of retiring rooms |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ministry-of-railways-accords-permission-to-zonal-railways-to-decide-on-reopening-of-retiring-rooms-at-stations-11614772997621.html |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=mint |date=3 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

===Bottled water===
IRCTC also owns the [[bottled water]] brand "Rail Neer" which is sold on trains and railway stations among other places.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Arora |first1=Rajat |title=Indian Railways {{!}} Rail Neer: Railways may put Rs 1k crore into 11 new Rail Neer bottling units |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railways-may-put-rs-1k-crore-into-11-new-rail-neer-bottling-units/articleshow/64281756.cms |access-date=20 August 2021 |work=The Economic Times |date=23 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Can Rail Neer Be The Ace In The Pack For IRCTC As It Navigates Coronavirus Turbulence? |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/can-rail-neer-be-the-ace-in-the-pack-for-irctc-as-it-navigates-coronavirus-turbulence-5577681.html |access-date=20 August 2021 |work=Moneycontrol |language=en}}</ref>

===Tourism===
[[File:Maharaja Express Índia.jpg|thumb|Luxury tourist train [[Maharajas' Express]]]]
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation also organises budget and deluxe package tours for domestic and foreign tourists. A popular tourism package for budget tourists covering important tourist destinations across India is called "Bharat Darshan". Luxury tourism packages are also available, that involve special luxury trains such as [[Buddhist Circuit Train]] and [[Maharajas' Express]] operations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-19/kolkata/28127817_1_maharajas-express-luxury-train-deluxe-cabin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811055521/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-19/kolkata/28127817_1_maharajas-express-luxury-train-deluxe-cabin|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|title=Rs 1 lakh a night on Maharajas’ Express|last=Gupta|first=Jayanta|date=19 March 2010|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref>

===Train operations===
[[File:The rake of the TEJAS Train, being inspected by the Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, at Safdarjung Railway Station, in New Delhi on May 19, 2017.jpg|thumb|The Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express in 2017.]]
IRCTC also operates several express trains as a "private player" in India. In 2020, the IRCTC began operating India's first private train, the [[Tejas Express]], from Lucknow to New Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-07|title=IRCTC’s ‘private’ Tejas Express to resume services from October 17|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/irctc-tejas-express-trains-schedule-date-booking-6706583/|access-date=2020-12-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

* [[Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff Writer |title=Railways' first private train sees strong bookings. Delhi-Lucknow Tejas features |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/railways-first-private-train-sees-strong-bookings-delhi-lucknow-tejas-trainfeatures-1569208587760.html |website=Mint |access-date=25 September 2019 |language=en |date=23 September 2019}}</ref> first private train in india.
* [[Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central Tejas Express]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saluja|first=Nishtha|title=Tejas Express: Railways Minister Piyush Goyal to flag off India's second private train on Friday|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/ahmedabad-mumbai-tejas-express-irctcs-second-train-to-be-flagged-off-on-jan-17/articleshow/73302421.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-05-21}}</ref> second private train in india.
* [[IRCTC Kashi Mahakal Humsafar Express (via Lucknow)|Kashi Mahakal Humsafar Express]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-16|title=IRCTC launches third private train Kashi Mahakal Express today. Know route, fare|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/irctc-launches-third-private-train-kashi-mahakal-express-today-know-route-fare-timing-11581766453554.html|access-date=2021-05-21|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> third private train in india.

==Milestones==
* On 19 March 2014, nearly 5,80,000 tickets booked in a day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IRCTC-record-5-8-lakh-etickets-sold-in-a-day/articleshow/32390960.cms|title=IRCTC record: 5.8 lakh etickets sold in a day|work=The Times of India|date=21 March 2014}}</ref>
* On 1 April 2015, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) created a new national record with 13,45,496 tickets booked in a day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/industries/article-record-number-of-train-tickets-booked-as-new-reservation-rule-kicks-in-751637|title=Record Number of Train Tickets Booked As New Reservation Rule Kicks In|publisher=NDTV|date=2 April 2015}}</ref>
* On 2 April 2015, nearly 11,00,000 tickets booked in a day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/4-month-advance-railway-booking-Record-11-lakh-tickets-sold-online/articleshow/46777518.cms|title=4-month advance railway booking: Record 11 lakh tickets sold online|work=The Times of India|date=2 April 2015}}</ref>
* In April 2015, nearly 13,40,000 tickets booked in a day.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sagar|last=Malviya|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/IRCTC-rakes-in-Rs-20000-crore-from-online-ticketing-revenue-double-of-Flipkarts/articleshow/49943708.cms|title=IRCTC rakes in Rs 20,000 crore from online ticketing, revenue double of Flipkart's|work=Indiatimes|date=27 November 2015}}</ref>
* The inauguration of Tejas Express was on 24 May 2017 from [[Mumbai CST]] to Karmali, [[Goa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/may/22/indias-first-ever-high-speed-tejas-express-to-be-inaugurated-today-1607656--1.html|title=India's first ever high-speed Tejas Express to be inaugurated today|work=The New Indian Express|date=22 May 2017}}</ref>
* Extension of Scheme of Alternate Train Accommodation System aka VIKALP for the benefit of Waitlisted Passengers with effect from 1 April 2017 in all Mail/Express trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://contents.irctc.co.in/en/vikalpTerms.html|title=VIKALP Terms and Conditions|website=contents.irctc.co.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/railways-new-vikalp-scheme-to-help-waiting-list-passengers-to-travel-in-premium-trains-like-shatabdi-rajdhani/story/248546.html|title=Railways' new Vikalp scheme to help waiting-list passengers to travel in premium trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani|publisher=Business Today|date=22 March 2017}}</ref>
* From 3 November 2017, Service started to provide information to passengers through (SMS) regarding status of delayed trains. Initially, all Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Tejas & Gatiman Trains covered. From 15 December 2017, all Jan shatabdis, Duranto and Garib Rath trains have also been included. Now this service is available in around 250 trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/sms_Service.html|title=Welcome to Indian Railway Passenger reservation Enquiry|website=www.indianrail.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/sms_Code_Table.html|title=Sms Service Code|website=www.indianrail.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/now-get-sms-delay-alerts-at-halt-stations-service-extended-to-1104-more-trains/articleshow/62356250.cms|title=Now get SMS delay alerts at halt stations; service extended to 1,104 more trains|date=3 June 2018|work=The Economic Times}}</ref>
*On 4 October 2019, started operating India's first semi-private train "Tejas" between [[Lucknow]] and [[Delhi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India's First Private Train|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/indias-first-private-train-lucknow-delhi-tejas-express-flagged-off/tejas-express-indias-first-private-train/slideshow/71438212.cms |website=Economic Times}}</ref>
*On 17 January 2020, started operating second semi-private train <nowiki>''</nowiki>Tejas<nowiki>''</nowiki> between [[Mumbai]] and [[Ahmedabad]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/mumbai-ahmedabad-tejas-express-to-roll-out-on-jan-17/articleshow/73002350.cms|title=Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express to roll out on Jan 17|date=December 28, 2019|website=Mumbai Mirror|language=en|access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
*On 16 February 2020, Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] inaugurated first semi-private Train <nowiki>''</nowiki>Kashi Mahakaal<nowiki>''</nowiki> (3rd semi-private by IRCTC) between [[Varanasi]] and [[Indore]] connecting 4 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/uttar-pradesh/varanasi/kashi-mahakal-express-successful-trial-pm-modi-will-show-green-signal-to-train-in-varanasi|title=पीएम मोदी काशी महाकाल एक्सप्रेस को दिखाएंगे हरी झंडी, हुआ सफल ट्रायल, इस स्पीड से दौड़ी ट्रेन|website=Amar Ujala|access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
*In 7 August 2019, IRCTC launched a payment wallet names iMudra, to provide an easy way to book railway tickets, pay, send or withdraw money.<ref>{{cite web |title=IRCTC iMudra payment wallet: Here's everything you need to know |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/irctc-imudra-payment-wallet-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/463943 |website=www.timesnownews.com |access-date=12 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IRCTC launches iMudra wallet to provide you hassle-free payment experience |url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-irctc-launches-imudra-wallet-to-provide-you-hassle-free-payment-experience-107740 |website=Zee Business |access-date=12 March 2020 |date=7 August 2019}}</ref>
*On 31 December 2020 IRCTC launched its new upgraded e-Ticketing Website & Mobile App for booking of online Railway Ticket.

==Criticism==
=== Passenger data and privacy concerns ===
The IRCTC has been criticised for failing to maintain privacy of the data that it has collected on passengers for the purposes of bookings and travel, and there have been multiple reports of data leaks and exposures, as well as concerns that passenger information has been used by the government to send promotional content with demographic targeting.

In 2016, cyber police officials from Maharashtra reported a potential leak of personal information relating to 10 million passengers. The IRCTC denied the leak, but a committee consisting of officials from the IRCTC and Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) was constituted to examine the report.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-05-06|title=IRCTC denies data theft reports, sets up probe panel|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/irctc-hack-data-theft-2785213/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mehta|first=Manthank|date=5 May 2016|title=IRCTC website hacked, information of lakhs feared stolen|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/IRCTC-website-hacked-information-of-lakhs-feared-stolen/articleshow/52116516.cms|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> IRCTC officials claimed that the reports were unfounded and that there was no leak of "sensitive" passenger data.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IRCTC Data Not Leaked, Everything Safe: Officials|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/irctc-data-not-leaked-everything-safe-officials-1403693|access-date=2020-12-14|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=IRCTC hacking: Railways claims no leakage of ‘sensitive’ data|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/irctc-hacking-railways-claims-no-leakage-of-sensitive-data/article8561744.ece|access-date=2020-12-14|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=IRCTC denies website hack, says everything is safe and secure|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/irctc-denies-website-hack-says-everything-is-safe-and-secure/articleshow/52117348.cms|access-date=2020-12-14}}</ref> An IRCTC official later admitted that data that IRCTC had shared with third parties, including hotel, taxi, and food delivery services, had been exposed.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-05-06|title=Leaked data is not ours, claims IRCTC|url=https://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/leaked-data-not-ours-claims-irctc-|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Governance Now|language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, a security researcher, Avinash Jain, reported that a free travel insurance scheme offered by IRCTC, which caused users on their app to be redirected to a third party insurer, had left the information of approximately 200,000 passengers exposed for a period of two years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Did IRCTC bug leave 2 lakh passengers' information exposed to hackers for 2 years?|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/irctc-fixes-bug-that-had-left-2-lakh-passenger-information-exposed-after-2-years/story/289905.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=www.businesstoday.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=How a free travel insurance offer on the Indian Railways website left data of 200,000 passengers exposed to hackers for two years|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/how-a-free-travel-insurance-offer-on-the-indian-railways-website-left-data-of-200000-passengers-exposed-to-hackers-for-two-years/articleshow/66604055.cms|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Business Insider}}</ref> IRCTC discontinued the insurance scheme and fixed the vulnerability that had left this data exposed.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Christopher|first=Nilesh|title=IRCTC {{!}} Indian Railways: IRCTC wakes up after 2 years to fix its security bug|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/irctc-wakes-up-after-2-years-fixes-its-security-bug/articleshow/66581292.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-12-14}}</ref>

In October 2020, a data breach resulted in the exposure of passenger data of more than 900,000 individuals online, including names, dates of birth, mobile numbers, marital status, residence, gender and travel information. IRCTC denied the leak.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-16|title=User data of more than 900,000 leaked from IRCTC last year, resurfaces on dark web|url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/user-data-of-more-than-900-000-leaked-from-irctc-last-year-resurfaces-on-dark-web-71602848960804.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Hindustan Times Tech|language=en}}</ref> In the same month, IRCTC announced that it would be sharing passenger data with other public and private corporations with whom it worked.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IRCTC may let outside entities access your data now|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/oct/04/irctc-may-let-outside-entities-access-your-data-now-1880930.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Railway Minister [[Piyush Goyal]] publicly stated while discussing railway disinvestment that the government was exploring ways to monetise the sale of passenger data stored with IRCTC, saying "There is huge data with the company and that is not getting captured in the valuation. We are trying to see how we can utilise that."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Indian Railways: Would you like railways to sell your personal data to a private company?|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/would-you-like-railways-to-sell-your-personal-data-to-a-private-company/articleshow/65115176.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-12-14}}</ref> Former Railway Minister [[Dinesh Trivedi]] has criticised this, calling it a "threat to the right of privacy."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-08|title=Threat to privacy: Is your data with IRCTC safe? Former railway minister Dinesh Trivedi has this to say|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/threat-to-privacy-is-your-data-with-irctc-safe-former-railway-minister-dinesh-trivedi-has-this-to-say/1273219/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2020, the IRCTC made the use of the Government of India's COVID-19 tracker app, [[Aarogya Setu]], mandatory, amidst concerns about the safety of data stored with the app.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-12|title=Amid data privacy issues Indian Railways makes Aarogya Setu mandatory for passengers|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/amid-data-privacy-issues-indian-railways-makes-aarogya-setu-mandatory-for-passengers-1502887468.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Statesman|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Railways makes Aarogya Setu app mandatory for train travel|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/aarogya-setu-mandatory-for-passengers-of-special-ac-trains-5898701.htm|access-date=2020-12-14|website=cnbctv18.com|language=en-US}}</ref> A government official later clarified in proceedings at the [[Karnataka High Court]] that downloading the app was optional and not mandatory.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Plumber|first=Mustafa|date=12 June 2020|title=Aargoya Setu Installation Not Mandatory For Travel By Air, Rail : Centre Tells Karnataka HC|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/aargoya-setu-installation-not-mandatory-for-travel-by-air-rail-centre-tells-karnataka-hc-158240|website=Livelaw}}</ref>

In 2020, IRCTC officials used passenger personal data that had been provided to them to book tickets, in order to email a pamphlet titled "PM Modi and his government’s special relationship with Sikhs" during the [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest]]s, in which they advertised the benefits of government policies to protesting Sikh farmers. More than 20 million such emails were sent without consent of the passengers between 8 December 2020 to 12 December 2020. IRCTC chief public relations officer Sidharth Singh stated that the booklet "has been sent to those with the surname ‘Singh’ and those who are from the Punjab region"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|date=13 December 2020|title=Amid protest, Centre reaches out to Sikhs by email through IRCTC|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/govt-reaches-out-to-sikhs-by-email-through-irctc/articleshow/79700466.cms|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> However, IRCTC officials later denied that the pamphlet, which was shared in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, was selectively targeted at members of the Sikh community.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-13|title=IRCTC sends out nearly 2 crore emails in 5 days highlighting Modi’s relationship with Sikh community|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/irctc-sends-out-nearly-2-crore-emails-in-5-days-highlighting-modis-relationship-with-sikh-community-7103570/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> IRCTC officials admitted that passenger booking data had been previously used without prior consent, for the purpose of promotional government messages.<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2020-12-13|title=IRCTC sends nearly 2 crore emails in 5 days flagging Narendra Modi’s relationship with Sikhs|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irctc-sends-nearly-2-crore-emails-in-5-days-flagging-narendra-modis-relationship-with-sikhs/article33321112.ece|access-date=2020-12-14|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-14|title=IRCTC sends out nearly 2 crore emails on PM Modi's relationship with Sikhs|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/irctc-sends-out-nearly-2-crore-emails-on-pm-modi-s-relationship-with-sikhs-11607905858528.html|access-date=2020-12-14|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 13, 2020|title=IRCTC uses user info to send 2 crore emails on PM Modi's relations with Sikh community|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/irctc-2-crore-emails-pm-modi-relations-with-sikh-community-farmers-protest-1749226-2020-12-13|access-date=2020-12-14|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Future of rail transport in India]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Indian Railways}}
{{Public Sector Undertakings in India}}
{{Nifty 200 companies}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Organisations based in Delhi]]
[[Category:Railway companies of India]]
[[Category:Catering and food service companies of India]]
[[Category:Indian travel websites]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Delhi]]
[[Category:Indian companies established in 1999]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation