Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Reports 8% Year-over-Year Rise in PAT to Rs 331 Crore in Q1

IRCTC Reports 8% Profit Rise in Q1 FY26, Driven by Ticketing and Tourism

July 2, 2025

By Archyde News Desk

New Delhi – Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) announced a consolidated net profit of Rs 331 crore for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, marking an 8% increase year-over-year from Rs 308 crore. However, the profit represents a sequential decrease from the Rs 358 crore reported in the March 2025 quarter.

the company’s total revenue from operations reached Rs 1,160 crore, a 3% rise compared to the Rs 1,117 crore recorded in the same period last year. This figure is down from the Rs 1,268.53 crore generated in the previous quarter.

Key Segment Performance

• Internet Ticketing: Revenue increased to Rs 358.75 crore,up from Rs 329.07 crore year-over-year, contributing significantly to the overall growth. Profit before tax from this segment rose to Rs 301.89 crore.
• Catering: Catering revenue stood at Rs 546.78 crore, slightly lower than the Rs 558.89 crore reported in the same quarter last year. Profit before tax was Rs 71.74 crore.
• Tourism: The tourism segment experienced a significant jump in revenue, reaching Rs 147.69 crore compared to Rs 122.32 crore in the previous year. Profit before tax increased to Rs 12.86 crore.
• Rail neer: Revenue from the packaged drinking water business remained relatively stable at Rs 110.49 crore, compared to Rs 111.47 crore last year. Profit before tax rose to Rs 15.40 crore.

IRCTC’s total expenses for the first quarter of FY26 amounted to Rs 778.73 crore, an increase from Rs 759.36 crore in the year-ago period. employee benefits accounted for Rs 75.74 crore, while other expenses totaled Rs 41.48 crore. The company also reported other income of Rs 61.19 crore, up from Rs 51.42 crore in Q1 FY25.

The positive results were largely driven by increased demand in the internet ticketing and tourism sectors, signaling a continued recovery and growth trajectory for the company.

How does the 8% PAT growth of IRCTC in Q1 FY25 reflect the recovery of the railway tourism and catering sectors?

IRCTC Q1 Results: 8% PAT Growth Signals Strong Recovery in Railway Tourism & Catering

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a robust financial performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, reporting a Profit after Tax (PAT) of rs 331 crore. this represents an 8% year-over-year increase, signaling a continued recovery and positive trajectory for the company amidst evolving travel and tourism trends. This article dives into the key factors driving this growth, analyzing the performance of IRCTCS core business segments and future outlook for investors and travelers alike. We’ll explore the implications for IRCTC share price, Indian Railway catering, and the broader tourism industry in India.

Key Financial Highlights – Q1 FY25

Here’s a breakdown of the significant financial figures released by IRCTC:

PAT: Rs 331 crore (8% YoY growth)

Revenue: Total revenue witnessed a substantial increase, driven by growth in both catering and tourism segments. (Specific revenue figures were not instantly available in public releases as of August 13, 2025, but will be updated as they become accessible.)

EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization also showed positive momentum, indicating improved operational efficiency.

EPS (Earnings Per Share): Increased proportionally with the PAT, benefiting shareholders.

These figures demonstrate IRCTC’s resilience and ability to capitalize on the resurgence in travel demand post-pandemic.The company’s focus on enhancing service quality and expanding its offerings appears to be paying dividends.

Driving Forces Behind the Growth

Several factors contributed to IRCTC’s strong Q1 performance:

Increased Rail Travel: A significant uptick in passenger traffic across the Indian Railways network directly benefited IRCTC’s catering services. More passengers translate to higher demand for on-board meals, packaged food, and beverages.

Tourism Package Demand: The demand for IRCTC’s tourism packages – including Bharat Darshan, Unbelievable India, and special tour packages – experienced a considerable surge. This is attributed to pent-up travel demand and a growing preference for organized travel experiences.

Effective Cost Management: IRCTC has implemented various cost optimization measures,contributing to improved profitability. This includes streamlining operations and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers.

Digital Initiatives: Continued investment in digital platforms for ticket booking, catering orders, and tourism package selection has enhanced customer convenience and operational efficiency.the IRCTC e-catering platform has been a key driver.

Revamped Catering Services: Improvements in food quality, hygiene standards, and menu variety have positively impacted customer satisfaction and catering revenue.

Segment Performance Analysis

Let’s examine the performance of IRCTC’s key business segments:

1. Catering Services

The catering segment remains a cornerstone of IRCTC’s revenue. the 8% PAT increase is directly linked to the increased demand for catering services on trains and at railway stations. Key developments include:

Expansion of e-catering: Increased adoption of online food ordering through the IRCTC e-catering portal.

Introduction of New Menu items: Catering to diverse palates with regional specialties and healthy food options.

Focus on Hygiene and Quality: Stringent quality control measures to ensure food safety and hygiene.

2. Tourism Segment

IRCTC’s tourism segment has witnessed remarkable growth,driven by attractive tour packages and a renewed interest in domestic tourism.

Bharat Darshan: This popular budget-kind tour package continues to attract a large number of travelers.

Incredible India Tours: Premium tour packages offering curated experiences and agreeable travel arrangements.

Special Tourism Packages: Customized tours catering to specific interests, such as religious tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism.

Rail Tourism Promotion: Active promotion of rail tourism as a sustainable and convenient travel option.

3. Internet Ticketing

While not directly reflected in the 8% PAT increase, IRCTC’s internet ticketing platform continues to be a dominant force in online railway ticket booking, generating substantial revenue through convenience fees. The platform handles a significant percentage of all railway ticket bookings in India.

Impact on IRCTC Share Price & Investor Sentiment

The positive Q1 results have been well-received by investors,leading to a positive sentiment towards the IRCTC stock. Analysts predict continued growth for the company, driven by the ongoing recovery in the travel and tourism sector. Factors influencing the IRCTC share price forecast include:

Government policies supporting railway infrastructure development.

Increasing disposable incomes and a growing middle class.

Expansion of the railway network and introduction of new train services.

IRCTC’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Future Outlook & Growth Strategies

IRCTC is poised for continued growth in the coming quarters. Key strategies include:

Expanding Tourism Offerings: Introducing new and innovative tourism packages catering to diverse interests.

Strengthening Catering Services: enhancing food quality, hygiene standards, and menu variety.

* Leveraging Technology: Investing in digital platforms