At the intersection of railways, tourism and technology stands Rahul Himalayan, a 1999-batch officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service whose career reflects both academic brilliance and administrative vision. Currently serving as Director (Tourism & Marketing) on the Board of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, he oversees a diverse portfolio spanning tourism, IT, HRD, infrastructure, administration and Rajbhasha—steering one of India’s most dynamic public sector enterprises into its next phase of growth.
An alumnus of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, where he was Head Boy and Best All-Round Student, Rahul went on to graduate as a Gold Medalist in Electrical Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur. He later achieved a rare 10.00 CGPA and earned the President’s Gold Medal at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, underscoring a pursuit of excellence that continues to define his professional journey.
Under his leadership, IRCTC has expanded far beyond ticketing and catering to become the tourism engine of Indian Railways—curating luxury experiences like the Maharajas’ Express and the Golden Chariot, driving digital transformation, and positioning railway tourism as a powerful instrument of cultural connection and inclusive growth.
Beyond the boardroom, he is equally at ease with a violin, a squash racquet, or performing close-up and mentalist magic—bringing the same creativity to life that he brings to governance.
1) IRCTC has evolved into a comprehensive tourism and travel facilitation arm of the Indian Railways, going well beyond its original mandate of ticketing and catering.
Strategically, IRCTC plays a pivotal role in conceptualising, promoting, and operationalising railway-based tourism in alignment with the Government of India’s vision of Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat and Dekho Apna Desh which promotes sustainable, and experience-driven tourism. Through curated domestic and international tour packages, Bharat Gaurav tourist trains, pilgrimage circuits, and theme-based journeys, IRCTC leverages the extensive railway network to connect destinations that are otherwise underexplored.
Further, IRCTC acts as a key integrator by bringing together rail infrastructure, hospitality services, digital platforms, and last-mile connectivity, thereby creating seamless end-to- end travel solutions for passengers. Its emphasis on digitization, customer-centric service delivery, and partnerships with State Governments and tourism stakeholders strengthens its strategic role in positioning railways as a preferred mode for tourism travel. In essence, IRCTC functions as a catalyst for railway tourism in India—supporting regional economic development, promoting cultural heritage, and enhancing the overall travel experience while contributing to the broader national tourism and connectivity objectives.
2) Luxury and heritage trains have become symbols of India’s cultural tourism. Which are these trains and How important are these in IRCTC’s tourism strategy, and what new experiences are being planned?
IRCTC operates two Luxury Tourist Trains namely Maharajas’ Express and Golden Chariot Tourist Train focusing on the in-bound. These trains are the epitomes of rich cultural heritage, architectural grandeur, royal legacy, cuisine and traditions of the country. While IRCTC operates Maharajas’ Express offers exclusive and curated itineraries covering the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the Golden Chariot Tourist Train covers the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa. Both the trains have created a niche market for themselves in the international arena.
From a strategic perspective, such trains are vital for attracting high-spending domestic and international tourists, extending tourist stays, and promoting lesser-known destinations along the routes. They also create strong linkages with local economies through hospitality, handicrafts, guides, and cultural performances.
Looking ahead, IRCTC is focusing on enriching these offerings through enhanced onboard experiences, integration of regional cuisine and culture, improved digital interfaces for booking and customer engagement, and thematic itineraries centred on spirituality, wellness, heritage, and nature. In addition, there is emphasis on developing new experiential products under the Bharat Gaurav platform, blending comfort with authenticity and storytelling to meet evolving traveller expectations.
Overall, luxury and heritage trains are not merely transport services but immersive cultural experiences, and they remain central to IRCTC’s vision of promoting sustainable, high- impact railway tourism.
3) Foreign tourist attraction is a major focus area. What steps is IRCTC taking to make railway tourism more appealing and accessible to international travellers?
Attracting foreign tourists is a key focus area for IRCTC and accordingly all our efforts are focus towards positioning Indian railway tourism as a safe, seamless, and culturally enriching experience for international travelers.
To enhance accessibility, IRCTC has strengthened its digital platforms with multilingual interfaces, simplified booking processes, and globally accepted payment systems, enabling overseas travelers to plan and book rail-based tourism products with ease. Specially curated inbound tour packages, luxury and heritage trains, and thematic tourist trains are designed to offer authentic experiences while ensuring international standards of comfort, hygiene, and service quality.
IRCTC is also working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions abroad, and State Tourism Boards to promote railway tourism through Road Shows, travel marts, and international tourism exhibitions. These collaborative efforts help align railway tourism products with India’s broader destination marketing initiatives.
In addition, emphasis is being placed on enhancing on-ground facilitation through trained tour escorts, improved signage, assistance at key stations, and integration with hotels, local transport, and sightseeing services to provide end-to-end travel solutions.
Collectively, these measures aim to make railway tourism more appealing, accessible, and confidence-inspiring for international visitors, while showcasing India’s diversity, heritage, and hospitality through the unique lens of its rail network.
4) Technology has transformed travel planning. How is IRCTC using digital platforms and technology to improve tourism services and customer experience?
IRCTC leverages Robust Digital Platforms to offer end-to-end tourism solutions, encompassing online booking of tour packages, tourist trains, hotels, and ancillary services through its website and mobile applications. Continuous upgrades in user interface, system scalability, and Cyber Security ensure a reliable, convenient and secure experience for customers.
Data analytics and customer feedback mechanisms are increasingly being used to understand traveller preferences, improve service design, and personalise offerings. Integration of digital payment solutions, real- time information dissemination, and automated customer support has further enhanced transparency and responsiveness.
In addition, IRCTC is exploring advanced technologies such as AI-driven chatbots, CRM systems, and process automation to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and grievance redressal. Digital tools are also being deployed to support on-ground operations, including tour monitoring, vendor management, and quality assurance.
Overall, IRCTC’s Technology-Driven Approach aims to create a seamless, customer-centric tourism ecosystem that combines the reach of Indian Railways with modern digital capabilities, thereby improving both accessibility and satisfaction.
5) Railway tourism has the potential to benefit local economies. How does IRCTC ensure inclusive growth and support to local communities and sustainable tourism?
IRCTC promotes inclusive growth and sustainable tourism by directly engaging local communities in its value chain and embedding eco-friendly practices into its operations. This approach generates both direct and indirect economic benefits in the regions where its trains travel such as:
Employment Generation: The expansion of rail tourism through Luxury & Budget train circuits creates significant direct and indirect employment opportunities for local populations in ancillary services like catering services, tour guides, hotels, transporters, etc.
Cultural Preservations: Heritage and luxury trains promote awareness and appreciation of India’s forts, palaces, ancient caves, and local customs. Itineraries are designed to foster cultural exchange, encouraging the preservation and celebration of regional heritage.
Policy Alignment: IRCTC’s efforts align with government initiatives like the Ministry of Tourism’s “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Swadesh Darshan 2.0” scheme, which aim for responsible destination development and a balanced approach to tourism growth.
6) IRCTC works closely with state governments and other stakeholders. How important are these partnerships in expanding railway tourism across India?
IRCTC collaborates with State Governments primarily in the following three manners:
a. State Teertha Trains: IRCTC signs MoUs with various State Governments. to provide end-to-end train-based tours to the citizens of the states to various destinations across the country on multiple itineraries, originating from various cities/ Districts of the State to cover Pilgrimage & Cultural destinations across the country.
b. Fixed Itinerary State Tours: IRCTC signs MoUs with State Govts. to provide end-to- end train-based tours for specific destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj etc.
c. Inbound Trains: IRCTC operates tourist trains to states from various parts of the country on the itineraries decided by the State Govt. to give impetus to the lesser known tourist destinations of the state.
MoUs are currently in operation with Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Orissa. The destinations covered are Rameshwaram, Madurai, Tirupati, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka, Somnath, Ujjain, Shirdi, Nashik, Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, Mathura, Baidyanath, Parasnath, Ajmer, Gaya, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guwahati (Kamakhya), Puri, Sarnath, etc.
Other steps taken to enhance this partnership includes:
a. Opening up of tourism facilitation centers for providing packages for the respective states.
b. Cross merging of State Bodies hotels/ accommodation facilities.
c. Utilisation of State Transportation for movement of passengers which is available for booking of IRCTC portal.
7) Looking ahead, what is IRCTC’s long-term vision for railway tourism over the next 5–10 years, and what key innovations can we expect?
IRCTC’s long-term vision (2026–2035) centers on transforming railway tourism into a digitally integrated, sustainable, and “future-ready” experience, closely aligned with the Ministry of Tourism’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.
IRCTC’s long-term vision (2026–2035) centers on transforming railway tourism into a digitally integrated, sustainable, and “future-ready” experience, closely aligned with the Ministry of Tourism’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.
Strategic Vision and Ministry Collaboration:
• The Unified IRCTC Travel Portal & Super App which will consolidate IRCTC’s diverse travel and ticketing offerings into a single, integrated digital platform.
• New rake for Maharajas’ Express with unparalleled and unseen luxury will be replacing the existing rake in coming years.
• Mass Rail Tourism Leadership: IRCTC aims to solidify its position as the market leader in mass tourism through the continued expansion of Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains, focusing on religious and spiritual circuits.
• MICE Tourism Expansion: IRCTC is targeting the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment. An exclusive MICE division is under consideration to tap the heavy business potential in this segment.
• Strategic MoUs & agreements with state tourism departments focus on operating more state teerth trains and joint marketing & promotion of Tourism.
• Enhancing Inbound Tourism: IRCTC is aggressively targeting international markets which also includes travelers from ASEAN countries like through specialized heritage and Buddhist circuits.
• As a step in this direction, IRCTC in association with Ministry of External Affairs, actively participated in hosting the delegations of ASEAN Countries during : –
a) PATA-2025, Bangkok (Thailand) from 26th – 28th August.
b) ITE – 2025 , Ho Chi Minh City, (Vietnam) from 4th – 6th September.
c) Further, IRCTC also organized a Road Show for 22 Delegates of ASEAN Countries on 23rd January 2026 at Bengaluru followed by an exclusive tour on Golden Chariot Luxury Train from 24th to 29th January, 2026.
• Sustainability & Responsible Tourism
There’s an emerging emphasis on sustainable tourism, including eco- friendly choices in service delivery and packaging of tourism offerings — in line with broader national goals of environmental protection and responsible travel.
