Exciting News for Train Travelers in India Ixigo, a leading player in India’s travel booking scene, has just made waves by acquiring a 51% stake in Zoop Web
Ixigo, a leading player in India’s travel booking scene, has just made waves by acquiring a 51% stake in Zoop Web Services Private Limited, a popular train food delivery app. This strategic move is set to enhance the dining experience for passengers traveling on Indian railways, making train journeys even more enjoyable.
Zoop is an authorized e-catering partner of IRCTC, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. The app provides a much-needed service, allowing travelers to order meals on trains across the country. With this acquisition, valued at ₹12.54 crore, Ixigo is stepping into the growing e-catering market, which has significant potential as train travel continues to rise in popularity.
Ixigo’s investment in Zoop is not just about food; it’s a strategic move to improve the overall travel experience for train passengers. The app has established a strong presence, serving meals at 192 railway stations and collaborating with around 400 restaurants. By integrating Zoop’s capabilities into its platform, Ixigo aims to provide a seamless food delivery service that meets the needs of travelers.
With this acquisition, Ixigo has already launched a new feature called “Food on Train.” This innovative option allows users to pre-order meals at various railway stations. Passengers can browse a variety of meal choices and have them delivered directly to their seats—making dining on the go more convenient than ever.
Ixigo’s board approved the acquisition on October 24, 2024, and the transaction is expected to close by year-end, pending certain conditions. The investment is structured through a mix of primary and secondary share purchases, giving Ixigo control over Zoop as a subsidiary. Notably, the deal also includes a cash component for a total of ₹12.54 crore.
Looking ahead, Ixigo has the option to acquire the remaining 49% stake in Zoop. This potential expansion will depend on Zoop’s performance and market conditions, indicating Ixigo’s commitment to growing its presence in the e-catering space.
Ixigo’s leadership has emphasized the crucial role that food services play in enhancing the travel experience, especially on long train journeys where dining options can be limited. By integrating Zoop’s food delivery capabilities, Ixigo is taking a significant step toward ensuring that passengers can enjoy quality meals while traveling, transforming the way people think about train journeys.
This acquisition aligns with Ixigo’s strategic goals as the train segment is a significant contributor to its revenue. By enhancing its offerings in the train travel segment, Ixigo is not only focusing on ticket bookings but also on improving the entire travel experience for its users.
As train travel continues to grow in India, the combination of Ixigo’s travel booking expertise and Zoop’s food delivery service promises to create a more enjoyable and hassle-free journey for millions of passengers.
The acquisition of Zoop by Ixigo marks an exciting new chapter for train travel in India. With the launch of the “Food on Train” feature, travelers can now look forward to a more satisfying dining experience on their journeys. As Ixigo continues to innovate and expand its services, we can expect to see a transformation in how passengers view and experience train travel.
