IRCTC stands for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. It is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways that handles the catering, tourism and online ticketing operations of the Indian railways. IRCTC is responsible for the booking of train tickets online, through its website and mobile application, as well as the provision of various other services such as special trains, luxury trains, and budget tours. It was established in 1999.
History of IRCTC
IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) was established in 1999 as a subsidiary of the Indian Railways. Its main responsibility was to handle the catering, tourism and online ticketing operations of the Indian railways.
Before the formation of IRCTC, the Indian railways had no centralized system for the booking of train tickets, which led to long queues and a lot of inconvenience for passengers. IRCTC’s main objective was to provide a convenient and efficient way for people to book train tickets and plan their travel.
In the early days, IRCTC’s main focus was on providing catering services on trains and at railway stations. However, with the advent of technology and the increasing demand for online services, IRCTC started focusing on providing online ticket booking services in 2002.
In 2002, IRCTC launched its website (www.irctc.co.in) for the booking of train tickets. The website was an instant success and revolutionized the way people booked train tickets in India. It allowed people to book tickets from the comfort of their homes, without having to stand in long queues at railway stations.
IRCTC also introduced the concept of e-ticketing, where people could book and print their tickets online, eliminating the need for physical tickets. This move, along with the introduction of mobile ticketing and the IRCTC mobile app, made booking train tickets even more convenient.
In the recent years, IRCTC has been expanding its services to include other areas, such as budget tours and special trains, to promote tourism and provide a more comprehensive travel experience.
Overall, the IRCTC is one of the most significant development in Indian railway and is seen as the backbone of Indian Railway E-ticketing, catering, tourism and many other areas making the travel experience smooth and efficient for Indians and also for tourists.
IRCTC share price
IRCTC is a public limited company and its shares are traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India. The initial public offering (IPO) of IRCTC was made on 14th October 2019, with a price band of INR 315 to INR 320. The IPO was oversubscribed by 111.01 times and the company raised INR 645 crore through the issue.
After the IPO, the share price of IRCTC has seen growth in the stock market. The share price has been fluctuated since listing but overall growth can be seen. The IRCTC shares have remain steady over the years. As shown in the above image, the IRCTC share price reached it’s peak in October 2021, when the price reached INR 924.51 per share. As of 11th January, 2023 the IRCTC share price is at INR 640.35.
Click here to check the latest IRCTC share prices.
It is always important to note that the stock market can be subject to various factors and the performance of a company’s shares can be affected by a wide range of economic, financial, and other events. It is always advisable to do your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Should you invest in IRCTC shares?
IRCTC shares have remained stable and the growth prospects of IRCTC also looks promising considering it’s importance in the country’s economy, transportation, tourism growth along with other sectors. However, like any other company, IRCTC also is ever changing and evolving with new developments affecting it’s share price everyday.
If you are considering investing in IRCTC, it is very important to keep updated with all the latest developments related to the Indian railways sector. You should also be very clear your own investing goals and risk tolerance level before making any investment.
You should keep yourself updated with the latest IRCTC share price here.
It is always advisable to consult with a financial advisor and thoroughly research the company and industry in question to understand the risks and potential returns associated with the investment.
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