IRCTC Agent: Small Setup, Big Earnings

Low-investment railway ticket booking business can generate steady monthly income

February 25, 2026: India’s vast railway network carries millions of passengers every day, creating constant demand for ticket bookings. Becoming an authorised Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) agent has emerged as a practical business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in small towns and semi-urban areas where many travellers still prefer assisted bookings. Agents book train tickets on behalf of customers and also expand services to include flight reservations, hotel bookings and food orders on trains, ensuring multiple income streams.

To register, applicants must apply online through the official IRCTC platform by submitting identity proof, address proof and a recent photograph. After verification and approval, a registration certificate is issued, allowing them to legally offer ticket booking services. The annual registration fee generally ranges between Rs 3,999 and Rs 6,999, making it a relatively low-investment business compared to other ventures.

Agents earn commission on every ticket booked — around Rs 20 per PNR for non-AC tickets and Rs 40 per PNR for AC tickets. With high booking volumes and additional travel services, monthly earnings can reportedly cross Rs 85,000, depending on business scale. For those looking for a steady income with modest investment, becoming an IRCTC agent presents a promising entry into India’s growing travel services market.