Indian Railways passengers, take note: IRCTC has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised food delivery services that pose a risk to your health and financial security. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your meal on the train is safe and secure.
The Growing Threat of Fake Food Vendors
A growing number of unauthorised websites and mobile apps are targeting railway passengers, offering meal delivery services that operate outside of IRCTC's official network. These platforms often use names and branding that mimic official channels to appear legitimate. However, IRCTC has warned that these services create serious risks, including concerns over food safety, potential financial fraud, and the misuse of personal data. In response, the railway authority has moved beyond simple warnings and is now initiating legal action against these non-compliant operators to protect passengers.
Health, Hygiene, and Financial Risks
The primary danger of using unauthorised vendors is the lack of accountability for food quality. These services often source meals from unlicensed kitchens that do not adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. This can mean food prepared in unhygienic conditions by untrained staff, posing a significant health risk to consumers. Beyond hygiene, these platforms also create a major risk for data and financial security. Passengers who share their PNR number, contact details, and payment information on unverified sites are vulnerable to phishing attacks, identity misuse, and monetary fraud. There is often no formal customer support, leaving passengers with no recourse if an order is cancelled, incorrect, or never delivered.
How to Order Your Train Meal Safely
To avoid these risks, IRCTC urges all passengers to use only its official and authorised channels for ordering food. There are several verified methods to ensure you are getting a safe and reliable meal. The primary and most secure way is through the official IRCTC eCatering website, 'www.ecatering.irctc.co.in'. Alternatively, passengers can use the official mobile app, named 'Food on Track', which is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. For those who prefer to order via phone, a dedicated helpline is available at the number 1323. IRCTC has also enabled ordering via a dedicated WhatsApp number, +91-8750001323.
Identifying an Authorised Vendor
When you place an order through an official channel, you are choosing from a list of IRCTC-approved restaurants and vendors who are monitored for quality. The process is straightforward: you enter your PNR number, which allows the system to show you a list of restaurants that can deliver to stations along your route. Payments are processed through a secure gateway on the official app or website. A key red flag of an unauthorised service is a request to transfer money directly to a personal UPI ID or bank account. Official orders will always generate a confirmation with an order number. If you have paid but do not receive a confirmation, it may signal a fraudulent transaction.
What to Do If You Spot an Unauthorised Seller
Vigilance from passengers is a key part of this initiative. IRCTC has encouraged travellers to report any illegal food delivery activities they encounter. If you come across an unauthorised vendor at a station or on a train, you are advised to report the incident to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The RPF can be reached by calling its dedicated helpline number, 182. By reporting these instances, you can help protect fellow passengers and support IRCTC's efforts to maintain a safe and hygienic catering environment across the railway network.
