A Comprehensive Guide to IRCTC Agency Registration: How to Become an Authorized IRCTC Agent

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is a government-operated organization in India that manages ticketing, catering and tourism services for the Indian Railways. If you want to become an agent for IRCTC, the agency registration process can offer advantages. This comprehensive guide provides information about IRCTC agency registration covering the Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) schemes. By becoming an IRCTC agent, individuals can enjoy benefits like ticket bookings, earning commissions on each booking, accessing a user-friendly web portal for quick reservations, and earning a lucrative monthly income. To successfully register as an IRCTC agent, certain documents and a registration fee must be submitted.

Understanding IRCTC Agency Registration

To become an agent of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and have the privilege of booking railway reservation E-tickets, you can go through the process of IRCTC Agency Registration. This registration opportunity is open to business-to-businesses (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C).

To register as an IRCTC agent, you should follow these steps:

1. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria set by IRCTC for registration.
2. Collect all the documents and information required.
3. Visit the IRCTC website. Locate the “Agent Registration” section.
4. Fill in the registration form with details providing either your information or your company’s details.
5. Submit the completed form along with all required documents.
6. Pay the registration fee, which may vary depending on your agency type and scheme.
7. Wait for IRCTC to review and approve your registration application.
8. Once approved, you will receive your agent login credentials and instructions on operating as an IRCTC agent.

It’s important to understand that registering as an IRCTC agent allows you to book railway reservation e-tickets. However, terms and conditions and additional prerequisites may apply depending on whether you function as a business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) representative. It is advisable to consult an authorized PSP (Principal Service Provider) for the guidelines provided by IRCTC or directly contact IRCTC for comprehensive information.

IRCTC Norms for Agency Registration

Norms for Web Services B2B Scheme

Here are the key points for IRCTC B2B Schemes for Agency Registration:

• The agency must be a reputed company/partnership firm/proprietorship firm duly registered in India.
• The agency should have a minimum of 500 agents with outlets/agencies/centers with internet facilities interested in doing business with IRCTC.
• The agency should visit the official IRCTC PSP SiOnline website and fill out the “Contact Us” form.
• A representative from SiOnline will contact the agency and provide further information.
• The agency needs to display IRCTC’s logo on a signboard outside the agency.
• The signboard should display rules and regulations, IRCTC service charges, agent service charges, payment gateway charges, etc.
• There is an integration fee of Rs. 50 Lakhs for the Principal Service Provider.
• Any complaints against the agency may result in a penalty of Rs. 20,000 per complaint and permanent deactivation of the agency’s RSP ID with the consent of the Principal Agent.

Norms for B2C Scheme

Here are essential factors that are required to follow for IRCTC authorised agent registration under the B2C scheme.

• The initial contract/agreement for the appointment of a B2C PSP (Principal Service Provider) with IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is for three years. The service of the PSP will be renewed annually.
• If a B2C PSP opts for Option 2, the integration charges paid per the previous Agent Policy, 2013, will be adjusted as per the new B2C Policy, 2018.
• The registration of an RSP (Retail Service Provider) agency will only be processed if the PAN (Permanent Account Number) is provided to IRCTC. The RSP agency will be turned off until the PAN number is provided.
• If complaints are received and proven against five different RSPs of PSPs in one month, a show-cause notice will be issued. Further action may be taken if between six to ten complaints are received and proven.
• E-ticketing PSPs under B2C (Business-to-Customer) schemes will be integrated with IRCTC Tourism products through web services APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
• PSPs can register their e-ticketing Retail Service Providers (RSPs) for Tourism IRCTC Services under B2B and Internet Cafe Schemes.
• Some authorized associations for travel agents include the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI).

Responsibilities of an IRCTC Authorized RSP or PSP

• Facilitating ticket bookings for passengers through the IRCTC platform.
• Handling customer inquiries and assisting with ticket availability, fares, and other related information.
• Ensuring accurate and timely processing of ticket reservations and cancellations.
• Manage payment transactions and ensure proper reconciliation of accounts.
• Resolved customer complaints and addressed any issues during ticket booking.
• Adhering to IRCTC guidelines and policies while conducting ticketing operations.
• Maintaining proper documentation of ticket bookings, cancellations, and financial transactions.
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest updates and changes in IRCTC policies and procedures.
• Providing regular reports and updates to the IRCTC regarding ticketing activities and performance.
• Collaborating with other stakeholders, such as travel agents and railway authorities, to ensure smooth ticketing operations.

Conclusion

Becoming an IRCTC-authorized agent under the B2B or B2C schemes can offer various benefits, such as ticket bookings, earning commissions, and accessing a user-friendly web portal for quick reservations. SiOnline, an authorized PSP, provides solutions for IRCTC authorised agent registration and more, making the process easier and more efficient.