Planning your next train journey and thinking about meals? Before you click 'order' on a tempting food delivery website, IRCTC has an urgent warning. Unofficial food booking platforms are on the rise, and using them could cost you more than just a meal.
The Official IRCTC Warning
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has recently intensified its crackdown on unauthorised e-catering services. It issued a strong advisory urging passengers to be vigilant and avoid ordering meals from unverified websites and mobile apps that are not officially partnered with IRCTC. These platforms often appear legitimate, asking for your PNR number and journey details, but operate outside the official, regulated ecosystem. The warning highlights severe risks related to food safety, data privacy, and financial security, prompting IRCTC to take legal action against a number of these non-compliant operators.
The Dangers of Unofficial Platforms
Using an unauthorised food delivery service on a train exposes you to several significant risks. Firstly, there is the issue of food hygiene and safety. Unofficial vendors often source meals from unlicensed kitchens that may not comply with the food safety standards set by the FSSAI. This can lead to consumption of unhygienic food prepared by untrained staff, posing a direct health risk to passengers. Secondly, your personal and financial data is at stake. Sharing sensitive information like your PNR number, mobile contact, and payment details on these platforms makes you vulnerable to phishing attacks, identity theft, and financial fraud. Passengers have reported numerous issues, including non-delivery of food, poor quality, and no recourse for refunds or complaints.
How to Order Food Safely and Officially
To ensure a safe and satisfying meal experience, IRCTC recommends using only its official channels. There are four primary ways to do this: 1. Official Website: Visit the IRCTC e-Catering official website at www.ecatering.irctc.co.in. 2. 'Food on Track' App: Download the official IRCTC mobile app, named 'Food on Track', from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 3. Dial 1323: You can call the e-catering helpline number 1323 to place your order via phone. 4. Authorised Partners: Order through one of IRCTC's official food aggregator partners. These partners are vetted and integrated into the IRCTC system, ensuring they adhere to quality and service standards. By entering your PNR, you can view the list of FSSAI-approved restaurants available at upcoming stations on your route.
Identifying Authorised Partners
So, how do you know if a food delivery partner is legitimate? IRCTC maintains an updated list of its authorised partners on its official e-catering website and the 'Food on Track' app. Some of the wellknown official partners include Zoop, Zomato, Swiggy, RailYatri, and RailRecipe, among others. These platforms are required to follow strict hygiene protocols, source food from approved restaurants, and provide reliable customer support. If you encounter any suspicious vendors or websites, you are encouraged to report them to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) on the helpline number 182 to help curb these illegal operations.
