Tired of questionable platform food and unauthorized hawkers on train journeys? There’s a better way. Indian Railways has revolutionized meal service through digital partnerships, letting you order restaurant-quality food directly to your seat. Here’s your simple, step-by-step guide to ordering food on a train using all available platforms.
Step 1: Gather Your Journey Details
Before you begin, keep your train ticket handy. You will need your 10-digit PNR number, which is essential for all food ordering services. The system can automatically get your train data, route, and scheduled stoppages with this number. Additionally, to make it easier for the delivery executive to locate you, be aware of your seat and coach number.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Service
You have several reliable options to choose from, each with its own benefits:
- IRCTC eCatering: The official railway service, accessible via website, app, phone, or WhatsApp.
- Zomato & Swiggy: Popular food aggregators with a wide variety of restaurant options.
- RailOne: An all-in-one railway super app that includes food ordering.
Your choice can depend on whether you want the widest variety (Zomato/Swiggy) or prefer to use an official railway channel (IRCTC, RailOne).
Step 3: Place Your Order (The Universal Process)
Regardless of the app or website you use, the ordering process is generally the same:
- Enter PNR: Type your 10-digit PNR number into the designated field.
- Select a Station: The platform will show a list of upcoming stations where delivery is available. Choose your preferred halt.
- Pick Your Meal: Browse menus from FSSAI-approved restaurants at that station and add items to your cart.
Checkout & Pay: Enter your coach and seat number. Pay securely online via UPI, card, or net banking, or choose Cash on Delivery if available.
Also Read: Stanger Things: How The First Shadow Play Connects Henry Creel’s Past To Season 5 Final Battle
Step 4: Receive Your Food at Your Seat
Simply wait for your train to reach the designated station after your order has been validated. The food will be delivered right to your seat by a delivery partner who boards the train. They might call you to confirm your location or use an OTP to confirm the delivery, so keep your phone close at hand.
Platform-Specific Guides
How to Order via IRCTC eCatering
As the official service, IRCTC eCatering offers multiple ways to order:
- Website: Visit the IRCTC eCatering website.
- Mobile App: Download the official ‘Food on Track’ app.
- Phone Call: Call the customer care number 1323.
- WhatsApp: Message the business account at +91-8750001323.
This service partners with both well-known brands and local restaurants, ensuring hygienic and varied meal options.
How to Order via Zomato & Swiggy
These popular apps have integrated train food delivery seamlessly:
- Process: Open the Zomato or Swiggy app and look for the “Train” or “IRCTC” section.
- Zomato: Allows pre-ordering up to 7 days in advance and covers 130+ stations.
- Swiggy: Offers an even longer 96-hour pre-order window, ideal for planning long journeys.
Both provide live order tracking and a vast selection of cuisines, from biryani to pizza.
How to Order via the RailOne App
RailOne is a comprehensive railway app developed by Northern Railway:
- Process: Log in to the RailOne app using your IRCTC credentials. Navigate to the food ordering section and enter your PNR.
- Bonus: The app also provides live train tracking, so you know exactly when to expect your delivery.
