JOIN USThe corporation, which suffered a setback recently after the Railways decided to take over the catering responsibility from it, plans to "strike rich cashing in with its brand value in the market".
Top IRCTC officials said that offices, schools and colleges, and MNCs would be their target clients. The factory that would serve cooked food in the NCR region, is likely to come up by March next year. It will be run by 120 to 125 staff to begin with.
"We would also reach out to households and wish to take up the catering jobs in any major national or international events in the capital through this new venture," an IRCTC official said.
The official, however, did not divulge the amount of investment for this new unit but said its success could determine the Corporation's future initiatives in the hospitality sector. He said IRCTC's forte lies in catering, and its expertise in running food courts at stations across the country gives it the edge to succeed in this venture.
"Our aim would be to serve fresh cooked food and in a way as desired," he said.
Considered its core business area, the catering department fetched 97.5 per cent of its
revenue till the last financial year.
The corporation had posted over 16 per cent growth in its earnings during this period. However, it is likely to take a big hit after the loss of the catering responsibilities to the Railways. According to the results of the 2009-10 financial year, the corporation had earned Rs 721.97 crore, registering a growth of 16.7 per cent.