:Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was established on 27 September 1999, as a public sector undertaking completely owned by the Government of India through the Indian Railways.{{cite web|title=Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited|url=https://www.business-standard.com/company/i-r-c-t-c-23401.html|access-date=1 August 2023|publisher=Business Standard}} In May 2008, it was classed as a Miniratna public corporation, which allowed it a certain degree of financial autonomy. In 2018, then Railway Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the government was exploring opportunities for disinvestment of IRCTC.{{cite news|title=Indian Railways: Would you like railways to sell your personal data to a private company?|newspaper=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|date=21 July 2018|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=27 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827160610/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|url-status=live}}

The company was listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2019, following which the Government of India's holding was reduced to 87%, with the remaining shares being publicly traded.{{cite news|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|work=Moneycontrol|date=30 September 2019|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001021130/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/irctc-ipo-off-to-a-strong-start-subscribed-37-retail-fully-grabbed-4488731.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|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=18 December 2020|work=Business Line|date=3 October 2019|archive-date=17 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017105435/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stock-markets/at-over-111-times-irctc-ipo-gets-biggest-ever-subscription-for-psus/article29585681.ece|url-status=live}} In December 2020, the Government of India divested another 20%, reducing its holding in the IRCTC to 67%.{{cite news|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=18 December 2020|work=NDTV|date=13 December 2020|archive-date=20 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220052838/https://www.ndtv.com/business/irctc-offer-for-sale-successful-government-prunes-stake-by-20-2338093|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kaur|first=Avneet|date=16 December 2020|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=18 December 2020|work=mint|archive-date=16 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216023232/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|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=11 December 2020|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=18 December 2020|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211005456/https://indianexpress.com/article/business/centre-launches-irctc-share-offer-to-raise-rs-4374-crore-7100268/|url-status=live}} In December 2022, the government dis-invested further 5% of its share, reducing its ownership to 62.4%.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/govt-to-sell-5-of-its-holding-in-irctc-ofs-begins-tomorrow/article66263315.ece|title=Govt to sell 5% of its holding in IRCTC; OFS begins today|date=15 December 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu}} In March 2025, IRCTC was accorded navaratna status by the Government of India.{{cite news |title=IRCTC, IRFC get ‘navratna’ status. What does it mean for the two railway PSUs? |url=https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/irctc-irfc-get-navratna-status-what-does-it-mean-for-the-two-railway-psus-11740996086491.html |access-date=14 March 2025 |work=Livemint |date=3 March 2025 }}

Online ticketing for Indian Railways was introduced on 3 August 2002 through IRCTC.{{cite web|url=https://irctc.com/about.html|title=About IRCTC|publisher=IRCTC|access-date=1 December 2023}} IRCTC provides multiple channels for passengers to book tickets through website, smartphone apps and SMS. For Electronic tickets (e-tickets) booked online, IRCTC issues an electronic ticket with a reference PNR on a successful booking.{{cite web|url=https://ncr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,283,363,438|title=E ticket and I ticket|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 January 2024}} Electronic tickets can be used for travel along with a valid photo identification and cancellation can be done online.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/traffic_comm/Comm-Cir2K12/ID_Proof_AC_Class_CC_4_2012.pdf|title=Provision for carrying proof|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} For Internet tickets (I-tickets), while the booking is done online, physical tickets are sent to the customer through post.

Reserved tickets may be booked up to 60 days in advance and confirmed reservation tickets will show the passenger and fare details along with berth or seat number(s) allocated to them on the ticket. In case of no confirmed reservation, a wait-list (WL) number is assigned. There are different types of wait-lists depending on the originating and destination stations of the train and the passenger including Roadside Station Waiting List (RSWL) when tickets are booked from the originating station to an intermediate station and Pooled Quota Waiting List (PQWL) where tickets booked to travel between specific sets of stations are pooled as a single category. A General Waiting List (GNWL) ticket has no such restrictions, and wait-listed tickets get confirmed if there are cancellations of already reserved tickets in the respective categories and get cancelled automatically if seats are not confirmed before the departure of the train.{{cite web|title=What do WL, RSWL, PQWL, GNWL on train tickets mean? Know all about railway codes|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-what-do-wl-rswl-pqwl-gnwl-on-train-tickets-mean-know-all-about-railway-codes-2898270/amp|access-date=27 April 2024| work=DNA}} Reservation against cancellation tickets (RAC) is an intermediate category between the waiting and confirmed lists in sleeper classes which allows a ticket holder to board the train and share a berth.{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/irctc-indian-railways-ticket-reservation-5-online-rules-to-know-about-waitlisted-tickets-1955796|title=Indian Railways Reservation Rules: 5 Things To Know About Waitlisted Tickets|date=30 May 2018|work=NDTV|access-date=1 December 2023}} Reserved tickets can be booked by passengers who want to travel at short notice at higher fares through the Tatkal quota (TQ), which has a standalone waiting list (TQWL) and no refund is applicable on cancellation of confirmed tickets.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/tatkal-ticket-booking-charges-timings-cancellation-and-more/articleshow/63095041.cms|title=Tatkal Ticket Booking: Charges, timings, cancellation and more|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2023|date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612105406/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/tatkal-ticket-booking-charges-timings-cancellation-and-more/articleshow/63095041.cms|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}

In 2011, IRCTC launched a loyalty program called Shubh Yatra for frequent travelers wherein passengers could avail discounts on all tickets by paying an upfront annual subscription fee.{{cite news|date=8 July 2011|title=IRCTC launches scheme for frequent travellers|newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/irctc-launches-scheme-for-frequent-travellers/articleshow/9141156.cms|access-date=23 June 2023|issn=0971-8257|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624102555/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/irctc-launches-scheme-for-frequent-travellers/articleshow/9141156.cms|url-status=live }} In 2012, IRCTC introduced the Rolling Deposit Scheme (RDS), a type of closed wallet wherein customers can book tickets using money already deposited.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/irctc-to-launch-rolling-deposit-scheme-for-e-ticket/articleshow/15902125.cms|title=IRCTC to launch 'Rolling Deposit Scheme' for e-ticket|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=28 August 2012|access-date=23 September 2013}} In 2013, flight and hotel booking services were added as a part of online reservation services.{{cite news|title=IRCTC website gets 4x faster|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/08/irctc-website-gets-4x-faster-books-7200-tickets-per-minute/|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-date=11 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911230211/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/08/irctc-website-gets-4x-faster-books-7200-tickets-per-minute/|url-status=live}} In 2016, IRCTC launched a lighter version of its website to enable booking at low speed internet connections.{{cite news|url=https://pnrstatusirctc.in/irctc-lite-version-tatkal-launched-know/|title=IRCTC Lite Version For Tatkal Launched|date=28 May 2016|work=IRCTC|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806180216/https://pnrstatusirctc.in/irctc-lite-version-tatkal-launched-know/|url-status=live}} On 7 August 2019, IRCTC launched a payment wallet named iMudra.{{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|date=6 August 2019|access-date=12 March 2020|language=en|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806053451/https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/article/irctc-imudra-payment-wallet-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/463943|url-status=live }}{{cite news|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|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515015852/https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-irctc-launches-imudra-wallet-to-provide-you-hassle-free-payment-experience-107740|url-status=live}} On 11 August 2021, IRCTC introduced a smart card system through which unreserved train tickets which can be bought either at railway stations or online.{{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|work=India News|date=11 August 2021|language=en|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820144449/https://www.india.com/business/irctc-latest-news-now-you-can-easily-recharge-smart-cards-to-get-unreserved-train-tickets-check-here-how-4882060/|url-status=live}} IRCTC provides train and ticketing related information to passengers through SMS.{{cite news|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|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=9 April 2018|archive-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410071933/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/now-get-sms-delay-alerts-at-halt-stations-service-extended-to-1104-more-trains/articleshow/62356250.cms|url-status=live}}

File:IRCTC Food Plaza.jpg

IRCTC has exclusive rights for onboard catering of food on all trains operated by the Indian Railways. Pantry cars are attached to long and medium distance trains, where food may be prepared onboard or pre-cooked meals can be served depending on the type of the train and the accommodation class.{{cite report|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/eff_res/camtech/ElectricalEngineering/SubjectWise/Revision%20of%20Chapter%2014%20-%20Pantry%20Car%20and%20Mini%20Pantry%20Equipment%20of%20LHB%20Manual%20(Electrical).pdf|title=Pantry car equipment|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}} IRCTC also operates food plazas, cafeterias and refreshment rooms at various railway stations.{{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|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812094726/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|url-status=live }} In 2014, IRCTC launched e-catering services which allowed passengers to order food from private restaurants online or through phone and have it delivered to their seats.{{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|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=22 January 2021|language=en|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812094726/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/irctc-to-resume-e-catering-services-in-phases-from-february-101611327786297.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=eCatering|first=IRCTC|title=Authorized eCatering IRCTC Partners for Food delivery in train|url=https://www.ecatering.irctc.co.in/blog/authorized-ecatering-irctc-partners-for-food-delivery-in-train/|access-date=2 November 2023|publisher=IRCTC}} IRCTC also manages air-conditioned waiting lounges, retiring rooms and budget hotels at major railway stations.{{cite web|date=7 March 2023|title=IRCTC Railway Retiring Room Booking Online|url=https://pnrstatusirctc.in/railway-retiring-room-booking-how-to-book/|access-date=9 March 2023|work=IRCTC|archive-date=9 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309104810/https://pnrstatusirctc.in/railway-retiring-room-booking-how-to-book/|url-status=live}}{{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|newspaper=The Times of India|date=26 February 2018|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830064124/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/luxury-at-rly-station-you-may-not-know-of/articleshow/63071973.cms|url-status=live}}{{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|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830064126/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|url-status=live}} IRCTC launched a bottled water brand "Rail Neer" in 2003, which is sold on trains and railway stations.{{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|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=23 May 2018|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820112246/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railways-may-put-rs-1k-crore-into-11-new-rail-neer-bottling-units/articleshow/64281756.cms|url-status=live}}{{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|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820112248/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|url-status=live }}{{cite news|date=6 May 2003|title=Railways' bottled water plant goes on stream|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-bottled-water-plant-goes-on-stream/articleshow/45591781.cms?from=mdr|access-date=25 October 2023|issn=0971-8257}} During the 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela, IRCTC offered tent accommodations to visitors.{{cite news |date=24 December 2024 |title=IRCTC ensures facilities for Mahakumbh Mela 2025, luxury tent city open for bookings |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/irctc-ensures-facilities-for-mahakumbh-mela-2025-luxury-tent-city-open-for-bookings/articleshow/116634245.cms?from=mdr |access-date=4 January 2025 |newspaper=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

File:Maharajas'_Express_Train.jpg, a luxury train operated by IRCTC]]

IRCTC operates luxury trains such as Maharajas' Express, Deccan Odyssey and other special tourist trains with varied classes.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/journeysbyrail/great-train-journeys/10792418/The-Maharajas-Express-Great-Train-Journeys.html|title=Great Rail Journeys|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 April 2018}} These may include standard coaches, regular coaches with modifications and specially designed coaches with coupes, dedicated cabins and suites.{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenchariot.org/aboutUs|title=About us, Golden chariot|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=1 December 2023}}

IRCTC also operates a few express trains in co-ordination with Indian Railways.{{cite book|last1=Ramachandran|first1=L. L.|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781529709032|title=Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC): Scaling Beyond Ticketing|last2=Radhakrishan Pillai|first2=R.|last3=Sebastian|first3=M. P.|date=2018|publisher=Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode|isbn=978-1-5297-0903-2|location=London|doi=10.4135/9781529709032}} In 2020, the IRCTC began operating the first private train, a Tejas Express from New Delhi to Lucknow.{{cite news|date=7 October 2020|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=18 December 2020|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024115953/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/irctc-tejas-express-trains-schedule-date-booking-6706583/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|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|work=Mint|access-date=25 September 2019|date=23 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924164151/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/railways-first-private-train-sees-strong-bookings-delhi-lucknow-tejas-trainfeatures-1569208587760.html|url-status=live}} IRCTC also operates the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central Tejas Express and Kashi Makahal Express.{{Cite news|last=Saluja|first=Nishtha|title=Tejas Express: Railways Minister Piyush Goyal to flag off India's second private train on Friday|newspaper=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=21 May 2021|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521153233/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|url-status=live}}

IRCTC also organizes package tours for domestic and foreign tourists.{{cite news|title=5 most luxurious trains in India|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/5-most-luxurious-trains-in-india-check-here-2291454-2022-10-31|access-date=23 June 2023|work=India Today|archive-date=11 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211092708/https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/5-most-luxurious-trains-in-india-check-here-2291454-2022-10-31|url-status=live}} IRCTC also enables booking of various services including hotel, flight, taxi, and food delivery in co-ordination with third parties through the platform.{{cite news|date=6 May 2016|title=Leaked data is not ours, claims IRCTC|url=https://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/leaked-data-not-ours-claims-irctc-|access-date=14 December 2020|work=Governance Now|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925011253/http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/leaked-data-not-ours-claims-irctc-|url-status=live}}

IRCTC offers travel insurance for passengers through a third party insurer. In 2018, a security researcher 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 2 lakh passengers exposed for two years.{{cite news|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=14 December 2020|work=Business Today|date=12 November 2018|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621190716/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/irctc-fixes-bug-that-had-left-2-lakh-passenger-information-exposed-after-2-years/story/289905.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|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=14 December 2020|work=Business Insider|archive-date=24 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524094752/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|url-status=live}} In response, IRCTC discontinued the insurance scheme before fixing the vulnerability that had left this data exposed.{{cite news|last=Christopher|first=Nilesh|title=IRCTC wakes up after 2 years to fix its security bug|newspaper=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=14 December 2020|archive-date=13 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513091751/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/irctc-wakes-up-after-2-years-fixes-its-security-bug/articleshow/66581292.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}

In May 2020, the IRCTC made Aarogya Setu, an app launched by Government of India, to track Covid-19.{{cite news|date=12 May 2020|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=14 December 2020|work=The Statesman|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929075449/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/amid-data-privacy-issues-indian-railways-makes-aarogya-setu-mandatory-for-passengers-1502887468.html|url-status=live}} In May 2020, the app was made mandatory for train travel.{{cite news|date=12 May 2020|title=Indian Railways makes Aarogya Setu app mandatory for train travel|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/railways-makes-installing-aarogya-setu-mobile-app-mandatory-for-travel/articleshow/75688497.cms|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Times of India}} In June 2020, the government clarified that downloading the app was optional and not mandatory for train travel after a directive from the Karnataka High Court.{{cite news|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|work=Livelaw|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201030515/https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/aargoya-setu-installation-not-mandatory-for-travel-by-air-rail-centre-tells-karnataka-hc-158240|url-status=live}}

In 2018, IRCTC announced that it is exploring on ways to increase revenues through the utilization of passenger data.{{cite news|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|date=4 October 2018|access-date=14 December 2020|newspaper=The New Indian Express|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109013457/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/oct/04/irctc-may-let-outside-entities-access-your-data-now-1880930.html|url-status=live}} This raised concerns on sharing and safety of passenger data stored with IRCTC.{{cite news|date=8 August 2018|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=21 December 2020|work=The Financial Express|archive-date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808111010/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/|url-status=live}} During the 2020–2021 Indian farmers' protests, IRCTC officials used passenger e-mail data that had been provided to them to book tickets, in order to email pamphlets promoting Government welfare schemes and policies to Sikhs from Punjab.{{cite news|date=14 December 2023|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=14 December 2023|newspaper=The Times of India}} IRCTC officials denied that e-mails were selectively targeted at members of the Sikh community.{{cite news|date=13 December 2020|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=14 December 2020|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214052422/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/irctc-sends-out-nearly-2-crore-emails-in-5-days-highlighting-modis-relationship-with-sikh-community-7103570/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|agency=PTI|date=2020-12-13|title=IRCTC sends nearly 2 crore emails in 5 days flagging Narendra Modi's relationship with Sikhs|newspaper=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=14 December 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214101249/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irctc-sends-nearly-2-crore-emails-in-5-days-flagging-narendra-modis-relationship-with-sikhs/article33321112.ece|url-status=live}}

As of December 2023, there are 66 million registered users with IRCTC with a daily average of 7.31 lakh tickets booked. IRCTC also enables various services in co-ordination with third parties where the same user data is shared.{{cite news|date=6 May 2016|title=Leaked data is not ours, claims IRCTC|url=https://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/leaked-data-not-ours-claims-irctc-|access-date=14 December 2020|work=Governance Now|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925011253/http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/leaked-data-not-ours-claims-irctc-|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Maharashtra Police reported a potential leak of personal information relating to 10 million users registered with IRCTC.{{Cite news|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=14 December 2020|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=13 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813035114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/irctc-website-hacked-information-of-lakhs-feared-stolen/articleshow/52116516.cms|url-status=live}} IRCTC set up a committee consisting of officials from the IRCTC and Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to examine the report and declared that the data with IRCTC was safe and some data shared with third parties might have been leaked.{{cite news|date=6 May 2016|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=14 December 2020|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108170956/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/irctc-hack-data-theft-2785213/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|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=14 December 2020|work=NDTV|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825073159/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/irctc-data-not-leaked-everything-safe-officials-1403693|url-status=live}}{{cite news|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=14 December 2020|newspaper=The Hindu|date=5 May 2016|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411204547/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/irctc-hacking-railways-claims-no-leakage-of-sensitive-data/article8561744.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=IRCTC denies website hack, says everything is safe and secure|newspaper=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=14 December 2020|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004134927/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/irctc-denies-website-hack-says-everything-is-safe-and-secure/articleshow/52117348.cms|url-status=live}} In October 2020, passenger data of more than 9 lakh individuals surfaced in dark web with IRCTC denying the leak.{{cite web|date=16 October 2020|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=14 December 2020|newspaper=Hindustan Times|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113111003/https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/user-data-of-more-than-900-000-leaked-from-irctc-last-year-resurfaces-on-dark-web-71602848960804.html|url-status=live}}

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