New Delhi: Have you ever wondered how many dreams, family reunions, and urgent journeys fuel India’s vast railway network each day?
As the nation experiences its peak travel season amid festivals, IRCTC – the digital heartbeat of Indian Railways – is churning out over 13 lakh tickets daily, powering a colossal revenue machine that keeps the economy on track.
Indian Railways, the lifeline connecting millions across diverse states, has evolved from serpentine queues at counters to seamless clicks on smartphones. IRCTC’s online platform has revolutionised this, booking 1.3–1.4 million tickets every day, according to Ministry of Railways data. In the first quarter of FY 2025–26 (April–June), the average soared to 1.388 million per day, with Q1 FY 26 figures confirming 13.88 lakh daily bookings — a testament to surging demand amid economic recovery and festive rushes.
This ticketing frenzy translates to hefty earnings: Railways’ overall daily revenue hovers between ₹400-600 crore from passengers, freight, and sundry sources, with online sales claiming a lion’s share. IRCTC isn’t just a booking portal; it’s a profit powerhouse. Convenience fees on each e-ticket add steady inflows, while onboard catering, Rail Neer bottled water, and station F&B services rake in crores. Add pilgrimage tours, Bharat Gaurav luxury trains, and ad revenues from apps and trains, and the diversified streams become evident.
Yet, volumes spike wildly during festivals like Diwali, Holi, or summer breaks, overwhelming servers with millions of users. As Q3FY25 saw tickets climb to 13.59 lakh daily – up from 12.4 lakh – experts predict even higher surges this year, driven by discounts and AI-enhanced bookings. Behind the numbers lies a story of innovation: from 66 million users to handling 75% of reserved tickets, IRCTC embodies India’s digital rail revolution.
Next time you swipe for a seat, remember — you’re part of a daily exodus that shapes the nation’s pulse.