Think everyone books train tickets on IRCTC? These platforms handle 28%

Third-party platforms such as Paytm, MakeMyTrip, ixigo and ConfirmTkt account for 28 per cent of online railway ticket bookings made through the IRCTC network, IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director Rahul Himalian told NDTV.

The figure covers the combined contribution of IRCTC's business associates and does not represent Paytm's individual share. IRCTC has not provided a platform-wise breakup.

IRCTC handles most online bookings

Himalian said nearly 89 per cent of railway tickets are now booked online through IRCTC. The Rail Connect mobile app accounts for 53 per cent of bookings, while the IRCTC website contributes another 17 per cent.

Government arrangements account for around 2 per cent, with the remaining 28 per cent coming through third-party business associates.

"28% is through the business associates through B2C, B2B, ICS platform, whether it is MakeMyTrip, Paytm, ixigo, ConfirmTkt," Himalian said.

Railway bookings remain a large-volume business. According to Himalian, between 18 lakh and 19 lakh tickets are booked every day, of which around 14.88 lakh to 15 lakh are made online.

Paytm's consumer business gains momentum

The disclosure comes as Paytm reports stronger activity across its consumer operations.

In the June quarter, or Q1 FY27, the company's consumer UPI gross transaction value (GTV) increased 45 per cent year-on-year to Rs 5.9 lakh crore. Its monthly transacting users also rose by 60 lakh to 8 crore.

Paytm said its consumer UPI growth was running at 2.2 times the industry rate. The company also pointed to the gap between user growth and transaction growth, with monthly transacting users rising about 8 per cent while consumer GTV grew 45 per cent.

IRCTC looks beyond ticket bookings

Himalian said IRCTC is looking to expand its role beyond railway tickets and become "a trusted digital gateway for the entire travel journey".

The broader plan includes services such as accommodation, tourism, insurance, food, cabs and local mobility.

The expansion comes as travel demand faces mixed conditions. Paytm's management said higher airfares affected leisure travel demand across the industry during the quarter, while rail remained a significant online booking category.

For Paytm and other IRCTC business associates, the 28 per cent figure highlights the size of the third-party channel within India's railway booking ecosystem, although the exact share of each platform remains undisclosed.