What is E-Pantry?
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a digital meal booking system, known as the E-Pantry service, designed to enhance
convenience for passengers traveling on Mail and Express trains where meals are not automatically included with the ticket fare. This innovative service allows travelers to pre-select and pay for their meals online before their journey begins. The primary aim is to provide a stress-free dining experience, ensuring that passengers can enjoy their food without the need to rely on last-minute arrangements or purchase meals at stations. Initially piloted on the Vivek Express, this digital solution has expanded its reach, promising a more organized and pleasant travel for many.
Who Can Use E-Pantry?
Eligibility for the IRCTC E-Pantry service is straightforward and inclusive, catering to a wide range of passengers. Whether you hold a confirmed train ticket, a Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) ticket, or even a partially confirmed ticket, you are welcome to utilize this convenient online meal booking facility. The service allows passengers to pre-order standard meal options as well as Rail Neer packaged drinking water. Once ordered, these meals are delivered directly to your designated seat by the dedicated pantry car staff, ensuring that your food arrives fresh and hot right where you are, eliminating the need to leave your seat.
Key E-Pantry Features
The IRCTC E-Pantry service boasts several key features aimed at improving the passenger experience. Foremost is the digital meal booking system, enabling passengers to easily pre-order standard meals or Rail Neer, guaranteeing delivery during their trip. This is complemented by a cashless payment system, where all transactions are conducted online through secure digital payment methods, removing the need for physical cash. To ensure accuracy and prevent errors, a unique Meal Verification Code (MVC) is employed; passengers present this code to the vendor for meal confirmation. Furthermore, the entire process is digitally managed through dashboards, promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to tax regulations, offering a traceable and reliable service. In the rare event of non-delivery, passengers are eligible for a full refund, with all cancellation and refund details communicated promptly via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Booking Your E-Pantry Meal
Securing your meal through the IRCTC E-Pantry service is a simple, multi-step process designed for ease of use. Passengers can opt for the E-Pantry meal during their initial ticket booking on the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in). Alternatively, if you have already booked your ticket, you can access the E-Pantry option from the 'Booked Ticket History' section of the website. Upon successful booking, you will receive an immediate confirmation message, typically via SMS or email, which includes a crucial Meal Verification Code (MVC). On the day of your journey, all you need to do is present this MVC to the pantry car vendor, who will then deliver your pre-ordered meal directly to your seat, ensuring a smooth and satisfactory dining experience throughout your travel.
Trains with E-Pantry
The IRCTC E-Pantry service is currently available on a comprehensive list of 25 Mail and Express trains, spanning various routes across the country. This expansion offers a wider reach for passengers looking to pre-book their meals. The trains include prominent services such as the Vivek Express (22503-04), ASR-Kochuveli Exp (12483-84), Swantra Senani Express (12561-62), Swarnajavanti Express (12817-18), and Chhattisgarh Express (18237-38). Other notable trains equipped with this facility are the SC-DNR Express (12791-92), TATA-SMVB Express (12889-90), AII-SDAH SF Express (12987-88), and Karnataka Sampark Kranti Exp (12649-50/ 12629-30). The list also features Mangladweep Express (12617-18), Kalinga Utkal Express (18477-78), Goa Vasco Express (12779-80), Pushpak Express (12533-34), Paschim Express (12925-26), LTT-JYG Express (11061-62), Netravati Express (16345-46), Grand Trunk Express (12615-16), Darshan Express (12493-94), AP Express (20805-06), Poorva Express (12303-04/12381-82), Licchhvi Express (14005-06), Azad Hind Express (12129-30), Malwa Express (12919-20), Ahmedabad Barauni Express (19483-84), and Purushottam Express (12801-02), ensuring many passengers can benefit from this convenient service.
