New Delhi, March 7 – Online food ordering platform Swiggy has expanded its railway food delivery service to 100 stations across 20 states in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The company announced this development on Friday, marking a significant milestone in enhancing convenience for train travelers.

As per agency reports, Swiggy has been working with IRCTC since March 2024 to facilitate food delivery services on trains. The company aims to further extend its reach to additional railway stations in the coming months, ensuring more passengers can enjoy diverse meal options while traveling.

Deepak Maloo, Vice President of Swiggy Food Marketplace, emphasized the cultural significance of train journeys in India and the integral role that food plays in enhancing the travel experience. He noted that expanding Swiggy's food delivery service to 100 stations would provide passengers with greater convenience and access to a wide variety of meals from across the country.

With this expansion, Swiggy aims to improve the quality and accessibility of food for train travelers, offering them an alternative to traditional onboard catering options. The partnership with IRCTC aligns with the growing demand for better meal choices and seamless delivery services during long-distance journeys.

New Delhi, March 3: The Government of India has granted Navratna status to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), making them the 25th and 26th companies to achieve this prestigious designation. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the teams of IRCTC and IRFC, calling this recognition a significant step in transforming the railway sector.

As per agency report, with this latest development, all seven listed Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Railways have now received Navratna status. This includes CONCOR (July 2014), RVNL (May 2023), IRCON and RITES (October 2023), RailTel (August 2024), and now IRCTC and IRFC. The Railway Minister also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Finance Ministry for their leadership and support in achieving this milestone.

IRCTC's Growth and Achievements

IRCTC, a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Railway Ministry, has shown remarkable growth. In the financial year 2023-24, the company reported an annual revenue of ₹4,270.18 crore, a net profit of ₹1,111.26 crore, and a net worth of ₹3,229.97 crore. Established in 1999, IRCTC is now celebrating 25 years of excellence in catering, tourism, and online ticketing services, making it one of the most successful railway PSUs.

IRFC's Financial Strength

IRFC plays a crucial role in financing and modernizing Indian Railways. In FY 2023-24, the company recorded an annual turnover of ₹26,644 crore, a net profit of ₹6,412 crore, and a net worth of ₹49,178 crore. Established in 1986, IRFC has now become India’s third-largest government-owned NBFC, significantly contributing to railway infrastructure financing.

Benefits of Navratna Status

Attaining Navratna status provides IRCTC and IRFC with several key advantages, including:

• Financial Autonomy – The companies can now establish joint ventures and subsidiaries without requiring government approval.
• Operational Independence – They can make independent business and investment decisions to enhance efficiency.
• Global Expansion – Both companies can now enter international markets and form strategic alliances.
• Stronger Market Position – The recognition will boost investor confidence and financial stability, attracting more investments.

The elevation of IRCTC and IRFC to Navratna status is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Indian Railways' efficiency and supporting the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. It reinforces the government’s commitment to modernizing rail infrastructure and expanding its global footprint.

Rajkot : For those seeking a journey steeped in cultural immersion and spiritual rejuvenation, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) presents a captivating opportunity. The "Dakshin Darshan Yatra," a pilgrimage tour aboard the renowned Bharat Gaurav tourist train, is set to flag off from Rajkot on January 20, 2024. This 10-day odyssey promises an unforgettable exploration of renowned religious sites in South India, fostering a deeper connection with the country's rich heritage.

Unveiling the Treasures of the South:

From the hallowed halls of Kanchipuram to the breathtaking shores of Kanyakumari, the Dakshin Darshan Yatra meticulously curates a pilgrimage experience like no other. Devotees will have the privilege of visiting revered temples like the Kanchipuram Kamakshi Amman Temple, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and the iconic Tirupati Balaji Temple. Each stop on the itinerary unveils a facet of India's diverse spiritual tapestry, leaving travelers enriched and inspired.

Comfort and Convenience at Every Turn:

IRCTC is committed to ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey for every passenger. The Bharat Gaurav train boasts spacious and well-equipped cabins, categorized into 2AC, 3AC, and Sleeper class, catering to a range of budgets. The starting fares are competitively priced at Rs 49,500 for 2AC, Rs 35,500 for 3AC, and Rs 22,000 for Sleeper. Additionally, LTC (Leave Travel Concession) facility is available for eligible passengers, making the tour even more accessible.

A Holistic Travel Experience:

The Dakshin Darshan Yatra transcends mere transportation. Passengers can relish wholesome vegetarian meals prepared on board and off board, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. Informative announcements keep travelers abreast of the tour itinerary and local nuances. Dedicated escorts and security personnel add an extra layer of comfort and assurance throughout the journey. To top it all, IRCTC provides complimentary passenger insurance, offering complete peace of mind.

Embark on Your Spiritual Adventure:

Booking for this incredible spiritual sojourn has already begun. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of exploration, and embark on a journey that will stay etched in your memory forever. As the Bharat Gaurav train chugs along, weaving through the vibrant landscapes of South India, prepare to be captivated by the region's rich cultural tapestry and spiritual wisdom.

Let the Dakshin Darshan Yatra be your passport to a transformative experience – one that nourishes your soul and deepens your connection with the divine.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Book your tickets today and embark on a pilgrimage of a lifetime.

New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) To mark its 24th Foundation Day on September 27, which is also coinciding with the World Tourism Day, IRCTC will be offering a slew of offers to customers booking air tickets from it.

IRCTC will not be charging any convenience fees from the customers booking international as well as domestic flight tickets on its website from September 25 to 27.

Customers will be able to avail this offer by booking their tickets through IRCTC’s air ticketing portal www.irctc.co.in as well as IRCTC Air mobile app.

Along with the zero convenience fees, IRCTC has also launched other offers on this occasion with discounts up to Rs 2,000 on air tickets on card transactions of different banks.

Apart for the limited period offers, IRCTC Air also offers defence fares and leave travel concession (LTC) tickets for government officials, a statement issued by IRCTC said.

Further, as a value addition, IRCTC also provides a travel insurance of Rs 50 lakh for every air ticket booked through its portal, it added.

Chennai, July 17 (IANS) From opting in for Rs 10 lakh personal accident insurance cover, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) has now changed the scheme to allow the option to opt out.

In other words, passengers booking their train tickets on the IRCTC portal are now automatically provided insurance cover for Rs 10 lakh, a senior insurance industry official told IANS preferring anonymity.

Those not wanting the insurance cover have to opt out by clicking the appropriate button.

Curiously, the premium charged for Rs10 lakh personal accident insurance cover is a paltry Re.0.35 paise. The policy covers death/disabilities/medical expenses due to a train accident during the travel.

The insurance cover is provided by two non-life insurers – SBI General Insurance Company Ltd and Liberty General Insurance Company Ltd.

According to the industry official, the change could be due to the tragic train accident in Odisha last month killing 288 passengers and injuring over 1,000. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) had told IANS that a total of 624 passengers were having insurance cover under the IRCTC travel accident insurance scheme. A total of 22 claims totalling Rs 60.52 lakh were reported to the two insurers for disability and hospitalisation due to the Odisha train accident and no death claim has been lodged.

Five claims have been lodged with Liberty General Insurance of which the company has settled two claims for medical expenses of Rs 17,800 and three claims for Rs 6 lakh is pending.

In the case of SBI General Insurance, out of the 17 claims that have been lodged with the company for Rs 50.52 lakh towards disablement and medical expenses, the insurer has settled two claims for Rs 2.25 lakh.

The total number of pending claims with SBI General Insurance in connection with the Odisha train accident is 15 amounting to Rs. 48.27 lakh. It has rejected two claims as outpatient treatment expenses are not covered under policy.

The IRDAI had told IANS in June that the claims are pending with the insurers for want of documents and the passengers are treated/getting treated in government hospitals. The top officials of the two insurers declined to answer to IANS when queried earlier about covering all the passengers which, in turn, would bring down the premium amount. An industry official said the two insurers get an equal number of policies while the passengers book their tickets through the IRCTC portal.

However, the number of passengers covered under a policy/ticket would differ.

"Even though they would like to have insurance cover, not many passengers while booking a Tatkal train ticket on the IRCTC portal will be inclined to click on the insurance cover box as their main goal to reserve a ticket as every second counts during that time," the insurance official said.

Further if all the train passengers are offered the travel insurance cover, then the premium amount will further come down from 35 paise.

When the insurance scheme was started in 2016, the premium was 0.92 paise per passenger with Shriram General Insurance Company Ltd, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd, and Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Ltd being the insurers.

Lucknow, March 30 (IANS) The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is planning to introduce nutritious additions in its menu which will include millet-based dishes.

IRCTC's chief regional manager Ajit Kumar Sinha said that all the vendors in Uttar Pradesh -- including 78 static units at railway platforms -- have been asked to add millet-based food items in their menu.

"Along with them, mobile units of railways, pantry cars, and IRCTC restaurants in the government buildings have also been given the same direction," he added.

The IRCTC official further said, "The measures are being undertaken in line with 2023 being declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Millets."

According to IRCTC, food items such as millet laddoo, bread and roti made of bajra, jowar, ragi, millet kachori, millet khichdi, millet dalia, millet biscuits, ragi idli, ragi dosa, and ragi uttapam, among others will be served to train passengers.