Ordering food on a long train journey is easier than ever, but convenience comes with a catch. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a stern warning about the risks of using unauthorised food delivery apps and websites.
The Official Warning from IRCTC
IRCTC has launched a crackdown on a growing number of unofficial e-catering services that promise meal delivery to your train seat. In a recent advisory, the corporation highlighted that these unauthorised platforms create serious risks for passengers, ranging from poor food quality to financial fraud. The warning urges travellers to be vigilant and use only official channels to ensure their journey is both pleasant and safe, free from the worries of dealing with unregulated vendors.
The Dangers of Using Unofficial Apps
The risks associated with these unregulated services are significant. Firstly, there are major food safety concerns. These apps often partner with unlicensed kitchens that may not adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, operating in unhygienic conditions with untrained staff. Secondly, passengers expose themselves to financial and data security threats. Sharing your PNR number, contact details, and payment information on unverified platforms can lead to phishing attacks, identity misuse, and financial loss. Finally, there is often no reliable customer support. If an order is wrong, delayed, or never arrives, passengers are left with little to no recourse for a refund or complaint resolution.
How to Order Food Safely: The Official Channels
To avoid these pitfalls, IRCTC recommends using only its sanctioned platforms for ordering meals. These official channels ensure that food comes from FSSAI-approved restaurants and that your payment and personal data are secure. There are three primary ways to order officially:
1. IRCTC eCatering Website: Visit the official site at 'ecatering.irctc.co.in'.
2. 'Food on Track' App: Download the official mobile app, named 'IRCTC eCatering - Food on Track', from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. By Phone or WhatsApp: You can call the toll-free number 1323 to place an order. Additionally, IRCTC has a dedicated WhatsApp number, +91-8750001323, for chat-based ordering.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Official Ordering
Using the official IRCTC eCatering service is straightforward. Whether on the website or the 'Food on Track' app, the process is designed to be user-friendly. First, you will need to enter your 10ndigit PNR number. The system will use this to identify your train, coach, and seat details. Next, you can browse a list of available restaurants and their menus at upcoming stations on your route. After selecting your meal and adding it to the cart, you choose the station for delivery. You can then proceed to payment, which offers secure options like UPI, net banking, credit/debit cards, and in some cases, cash on delivery. Once the order is confirmed, the meal will be delivered directly to your seat when the train arrives at the designated station. A delivery code sent to you via SMS or email is used for verification.
Know the Authorised Partners
Besides its own platforms, IRCTC has also partnered with several wellknown food aggregators to expand its service. It is crucial to know which these are, as many unauthorised apps use similarsounding names to confuse passengers. The list of official partners includes popular names like Swiggy, Zomato, and Rail Yatri, among others. For the most current list of approved partners, passengers should always check the official IRCTC eCatering website or the 'Food on Track' app. IRCTC has also published a list of unauthorised operators to help passengers identify and avoid them, including sites like 'Railrestro.com', 'Travelkhana.com', and 'Railmitra.com'.
