The Rise of Unofficial Food Vendors
The convenience of ordering food online to your train seat has led to a boom in e-catering services. However, not all of them are legitimate. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a crackdown on a growing number of unauthorized
websites and apps that mimic official services. These platforms often use names and branding that sound similar to official channels to deceive passengers. They promise restaurant-quality food delivered directly to your berth, but operate outside the regulatory framework, creating significant risks for unsuspecting travellers.
The Hidden Dangers of Unauthorised Services
The primary concern raised by IRCTC is food safety and hygiene. Unofficial vendors often source meals from unlicensed kitchens that do not comply with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. This can mean unhygienic preparation conditions, untrained staff, and a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. Beyond health concerns, these platforms pose a major security threat. Handing over your PNR number, mobile number, and payment details to an unverified site can expose you to data theft, phishing attacks, and financial fraud. Furthermore, if your order is wrong, delayed, or never arrives, these operators typically have no effective customer support or refund mechanism, leaving you with little recourse.
How to Order Food Safely: The Official Channels
To ensure a safe and satisfying meal, IRCTC urges all passengers to use only its official and authorized channels. These have been established to provide safe food, transparent billing, and secure payments. There are three primary ways to order officially: 1. The Official Website: The only official e-Catering website is www.ecatering.irctc.co.in. Always doublecheck the URL to ensure you are not on a lookalike site. 2. The 'Food on Track' App: IRCTC's official mobile application is named 'IRCTC eCatering - Food On Track'. It is available on both Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. 3. By Phone: You can place an order by calling the e-catering helpline at 1323.
Authorised Partners and How to Verify Them
IRCTC has also partnered with several popular food aggregators to expand its service. These include wellknown brands like Swiggy, Zomato, and others. However, even when using a partner app, it's crucial to be cautious. The most reliable way to ensure you are ordering from an authorized source is to check the updated list of approved partners on the official IRCTC eCatering website or the 'Food on Track' app. Simply entering your PNR number on the official site or app will show you all the verified restaurants available for your journey. If a service is not listed there, it is not an authorized partner.
What To Do If You Spot an Unauthorised Vendor
As part of its enforcement drive, IRCTC has moved beyond warnings to taking legal action against fraudulent operators. Passengers can play a role in making train travel safer. If you encounter any illegal food delivery activities or are approached by unauthorized vendors at a station or on a train, you are encouraged to report the incident. You can do so by contacting the Railway Protection Force (RPF) on its dedicated helpline number, 182. Reporting these activities helps authorities curb their operations and protect other passengers from potential harm.
