Ordering food on a long train journey has never been easier, but convenience can come with a cost. IRCTC is now warning passengers about the serious food safety and financial risks associated with using unofficial food delivery apps and websites.
The Twin Dangers: Health and Hygiene
The primary
concern highlighted by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the alarming lack of food safety. Unofficial platforms often partner with unlicensed food vendors that do not adhere to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This can mean meals are prepared in unhygienic conditions by untrained staff, posing a significant health risk to passengers. Unlike the regulated vendors on the official network, these unauthorised kitchens are not subject to IRCTC's quality checks, leaving passengers vulnerable to consuming unsafe or poor-quality food during their journey.
Financial Fraud and Data Theft Risks
Beyond the kitchen, these unauthorised apps present a major threat to your financial and personal data. When you use an unverified app, you share sensitive information like your PNR number, mobile number, and payment details, including credit card or UPI credentials. IRCTC has warned that this exposes passengers to phishing attacks, identity misuse, and direct financial fraud. Furthermore, should an order be cancelled, delayed, or simply not delivered, these unofficial operators often provide no effective customer support or grievance redressal mechanism, making it incredibly difficult to get a refund or resolve a complaint.
How to Order Safely: The Official Channels
To ensure a safe and secure meal, IRCTC urges all passengers to use only its official and authorised channels for ordering food. This guarantees that the food comes from FSSAI-approved restaurants and that your transaction is secure. The official IRCTC eCatering service is accessible in three simple ways: by visiting the official website (www.ecatering.irctc.co.in), by downloading the 'Food on Track' mobile app, or by calling the helpline number 1323. Passengers can even use WhatsApp for chat-based ordering at +91-8750001323. Using these official routes is the only way to ensure verified billing and access to a proper customer support system.
A Simple Guide to Using IRCTC eCatering
Ordering through the official 'Food on Track' app or website is a straightforward process designed for passenger convenience. First, you need to enter your 10ndigit PNR number. The system will then display your train details and a list of available stations along your route where you can get food delivered. You can browse menus from a wide variety of partner restaurants, including wellknown brands and local eateries. After selecting your meal and adding it to the cart, you choose your preferred payment method—options typically include online payment and cash on delivery. A delivery code is provided to ensure the meal is handed to the correct passenger at their seat when the train arrives at the chosen station.
Authorised Partners and Reporting Violations
While IRCTC has its own app and website, it has also partnered with a select list of authorised food aggregators, such as Zomato and Swiggy, to expand its service. The complete and updated list of these trusted partners is available on the official eCatering website and app. It's crucial for passengers to distinguish these official partners from the numerous unauthorised websites that IRCTC has specifically named and warned against. If you encounter any illegal food delivery activities on a train or at a station, IRCTC encourages you to report it to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by calling the helpline number 182.
