Image Source: The Economic Times
In a major step toward expanding its digital footprint, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has received in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator through its fintech arm, IRCTC Payments. The announcement, made on August 5, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in IRCTC’s evolution from a travel and hospitality platform to a full-fledged digital payments facilitator.
Key Highlights from the RBI Authorization:
- RBI grants in-principle approval to IRCTC Payments for payment aggregator license
- IRCTC to act as intermediary between merchants and customers for online transactions
- Authorization falls under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
- IRCTC Payments to initially focus on railway-linked and government transactions
- Final license expected within the next 6–12 months, subject to compliance
This move positions IRCTC to compete with established fintech players and opens up new revenue streams beyond its core travel services.
Understanding the Payment Aggregator Role:
Payment aggregators are entities that enable merchants to accept digital payments from customers without building their own payment infrastructure. They consolidate multiple payment methods—credit cards, debit cards, UPI, net banking—into a single platform.
- IRCTC Payments will pool customer payments and transfer them to merchants
- The platform will support ticketing, tourism packages, and third-party services
- IRCTC’s existing gateway, iPay, will be integrated into the aggregator framework
- The service will be extended to government departments and public sector vendors
This development allows IRCTC to monetize its massive transaction volume and user base, which includes millions of daily rail passengers.
Strategic Implications and Business Expansion:
IRCTC has been laying the groundwork for this transition over the past two years. The company formed IRCTC Payments as a dedicated subsidiary to handle fintech operations and floated tenders to onboard technical service providers for backend support.
- IRCTC handled over 1.54 crore payment transactions in Q1 FY25 via iPay
- The aggregator license will enable IRCTC to offer services beyond its ecosystem
- Initial focus will be on freight, catering, and tourism-related payments
- Long-term goal includes servicing non-railway merchants and e-commerce platforms
The aggregator model is expected to operate on thin margins but high volumes, making scale and trust critical success factors.
Market Reaction and Financial Outlook:
IRCTC’s stock saw a mild uptick following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about its fintech ambitions.
- Last traded price (August 5): ₹1,042.60
- Market capitalization: ₹16,480 crore
- PE ratio: 38.2
- Dividend yield: 1.4 percent
- ROE: 12.6 percent
- EPS: ₹27.30
Analysts believe the payment aggregator license could begin contributing to IRCTC’s top line from FY27 onwards, once full operations commence.
Leadership Vision and Future Roadmap:
IRCTC’s Chairman and Managing Director, Seema Kumar, has previously emphasized the strategic importance of fintech in diversifying the company’s revenue base. The in-principle approval from RBI validates IRCTC’s long-term digital strategy and opens doors to partnerships with government agencies and private merchants.
- IRCTC aims to become a trusted public sector fintech brand
- Plans include expanding into prepaid instruments and closed-loop systems
- Compliance, cybersecurity, and user experience will be key focus areas
The company is expected to roll out pilot services under the aggregator model by early 2026.
Conclusion: A New Track for IRCTC’s Digital Journey
With RBI’s in-principle authorization, IRCTC is no longer just a ticketing giant—it’s stepping into the fintech spotlight. As it gears up to become a payment aggregator, the company is poised to redefine how millions of Indians transact online, starting with railways and expanding far beyond.
Source: Financial Express
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