IRCTC e-Catering Enhances Onboard Dining Experience; West Zone Emerges as Major Contributor

Launched as a pilot project on 25 September 2014, IRCTC e-Catering initially enabled meal bookings through SMS and the IRCTC call centre. Over the years, the service has evolved into a robust digital platform accessible through the dedicated website www.ecatering.irctc.co.in, the official “Food on Track” mobile application (Android & iOS), toll-free number 1323, and WhatsApp ordering facility at +91-8750001323.

Passengers can place orders conveniently during their journey and opt for online prepaid payment or Cash on Delivery (COD). Upon order placement, confirmation details are shared with both the passenger and the vendor via SMS and email. An OTP-based delivery mechanism ensures secure, accurate, and seamless food delivery directly to passengers’ seats.

Currently, IRCTC e-Catering services are operational at 300+ railway stations across India, offering passengers a wide range of cuisines including Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental, and popular regional delicacies such as Biryanis. The platform partners with renowned food brands like Domino’s, Haldiram’s, Saravana Bhavan, Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, among others, and leading aggregators including Zomato, Swiggy, Zoop, Rail Yatri, Rail Recipe, and Railofy.

To cater to group travel needs, IRCTC also offers a Bulk/Group Order Facility for passengers traveling in groups of 15 or more, providing customized menus, competitive pricing, and convenient seat-level delivery—ideal for family outings, group tours, and corporate travel.

On a Pan-India basis, approximately 1,20,000 meals are being booked daily through IRCTC e-Catering. The IRCTC West Zone has emerged as a major contributor, accounting for nearly 35,000 meals per day. The West Zone currently provides e-Catering services at 100+ stations through 200+ authorized vendors and aggregators across the Central Railway (CR), Western Railway (WR), West Central Railway (WCR), and KRCL network, significantly driving the growth and success of the initiative.

By eliminating the need for passengers to leave their seats, ensuring hygiene through authorized vendors, and offering a wide variety of quality food options, IRCTC e-Catering is transforming train journeys into a comfortable, convenient, and flavorful experience, overcoming the limitations of traditional railway meals.