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Ixigo takes on MMT with trip guarantee feature for train travelers

EntrackrEntrackr · 6m ago
Ixigo takes on MMT with trip guarantee feature for train travelers
Medial

Full-stack online travel aggregator (OTA) Ixigo has launched a travel guarantee feature for train travelers, positioning itself as a direct competitor to its arch-rival, MakeMyTrip. The Gurugram-based company claims that its new feature provides a 3X refund (1X ticket refund and 2X wallet refund) if a traveler’s waitlisted PNR fails to confirm. This feature also allows passengers to explore and book alternative last-minute travel options, with the added benefit of higher monetary compensation for unconfirmed train tickets. According to Ixigo, this initiative aims to tackle the challenges of long waitlists during peak travel periods while protecting passengers from last-minute fare hikes. 'This not only provides greater financial value but also empowers travelers to rebook their journey through alternate travel options without having to worry about last-minute fare hikes. With this initiative, we aim to make train travel more reliable, convenient, and worry-free for everyone,' said Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of Ixigo Trains in a stock exchange filing. MakeMyTrip introduced a similar feature in 2021, offering 3X refunds under the scheme. The new feature is expected to resonate well with Ixigo users, as the company dominates the train-booking space, generating 53% (Rs 110 crore) of its revenue from train bookings last quarter. Ixigo reported total revenue of Rs 206 crore and a PAT of Rs 13 crore in Q2 FY25. In comparison, India's largest OTA, MakeMyTrip, reported Rs 1,772 crore in revenue for Q2 FY25 but did not provide a detailed income breakdown for train bookings.

Ixigo set to acquire 51% stake in train food delivery firm Zoop

EntrackrEntrackr · 8m ago
Ixigo set to acquire 51% stake in train food delivery firm Zoop
Medial

Travel booking platform Ixigo is all set to acquire a majority stake in Zoop Web Services Private Limited. The board of directors at Ixigo approved the acquisition during a meeting held on October 24, 2024. The deal involves Ixigo purchasing a 51% stake in Zoop for a total consideration of Rs 12.54 crore, which includes a non-compete fee. This transaction is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, as outlined in the definitive agreements signed by both companies. The acquisition will be executed through a combination of secondary and primary share purchases. Zoop is known for providing e-catering and other solutions for the railway ecosystem. By integrating Zoop’s offerings into its platform, Ixigo aims to provide a more comprehensive travel experience to its users. This acquisition makes sense for Ixigo as 53% of its revenue collected in Q2 FY25 came from the train vertical. Zoop offers meal bookings, PNR status checks, and other railway-related services. It operates across 18 states and provides services at 192 railway stations. The company partners with nearly 400 active restaurants. In addition to acquiring the majority stake, Ixigo has secured an option to purchase the remaining 49% stake in Zoop in the future. This is the third major acquisition for Ixigo. In February 2021, it acquired a 100% stake in the train booking app Confirmtkt, while it took over the bus aggregator platform AbhiBus in August of the same year. Ixigo's revenue from operations saw a 26% growth to Rs 206.47 crore in Q2 FY25, compared to the same period in FY24. However, the company's profit after tax (PAT) experienced a significant decline of 51%, dropping from Rs 26.70 crore in Q2 FY24 to Rs 13.08 crore in Q2 FY25.

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