The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), a ‘Navratna’ company under the Ministry of Railways and the professional hospitality and tourism arm of Indian Railways, continues revolutionising onboard catering through its transformative e-catering service. As part of its broader mandate—managing train and station catering services and promoting domestic and international tourism—IRCTC’s e-catering platform has set a new benchmark in passenger comfort and food convenience.

IRCTC’s e-catering service has revolutionised how passengers can enjoy meals while travelling on reserved trains. Since its inception in 2014, the service has provided various food choices delivered directly to passengers’ seats, enhancing their overall travel experience.

A Growing Service with Expanding Reach
As of April 2025, e-Catering operates across 400+ stations and collaborates with over 602 direct vendors and 8,199 vendors through 20 appointed food aggregators. The service is available for passengers on reserved trains, with food delivered based on their unique PNR number. In April 2025, customers booked an average of 100,000 meals daily, highlighting the service’s growing popularity.

Market-Driven Menu
One of the key features of e-catering is the diverse range of food choices it offers. The meal prices are market-driven, and the individual restaurant partners curate the menu. This flexibility allows passengers to select from various options, whether a traditional Indian meal or a quick pizza, ensuring that every journey has something for every taste.

The e-catering service was introduced to offer passengers more food choices during their travel. It ensures that meals are booked in advance and delivered directly to their seat, making it a hassle-free option for those on long journeys.

A variety of major brands associated with E-Catering include McDonald’s, Domino’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Faasos, Biryani by Kilo, Behrouz Biryani, Bikanerwala, Haldiram, La Pinoz Pizza, Firangi Bake, Lunchbox, Oven Story, Biryani Blues, and Sweet Truth.

IRCTC has also joined hands with major food aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy to offer food delivery services on trains, featuring a diverse menu from various restaurants to suit every palate. The restaurants provide multiple options, from vegetarian delights to non-vegetarian feasts. With real-time tracking and dedicated customer support, customers can enjoy a seamless experience from ordering to delivery, with prompt assistance for any queries or concerns.

Future Expansion
As the service continues to grow, efforts are being made to include more renowned food brands, offering more variety to passengers. The aim is to increase the number of food options and improve the overall quality of food available on the trains, ensuring that passengers can enjoy meals that match the diverse culinary preferences across India.

The e-Catering initiative is a testament to Indian Railways’ commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and convenience, transforming train travel into a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.

For more details, passengers can visit the official e-Catering website or use the Food on Track app to explore the food options available for their next journey.

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