A common problem faced by all passengers travelling in Indian trains is the lack of availability of the good quality food in trains. Everyone will have a consensus in this regard. Many times the food served to you is rancid or smells unpleasant - don't worry that you are in the same boat.
The Ministry of Railways has been trying to solve the problem of food in trains and serve good quality food in trains. The worst part is that most of the trains have pantry cars, but the problem of poor-quality food is still there. Some food packets that are sold in the trains have passed beyond the expiry date, and are unhygienic and unfit for consumption.
In some cases, the food has been cooked 1 to 2 days in advance. No wonder, they give a pungent smell. It is a problem for the millions of travellers who are travelling by sleeper classes, where the atmosphere is unhygienic in itself.
For all these reasons, Indian Railways has introduced the e-catering service, which provides hot, fresh, and hygienic food delivery for passengers travelling by trains. It is one of the main reasons that online food in trains has increased in popularity.
Where Can I Order Good Quality Food in Trains Online?
There are a lot of e-catering providers in trains such as IRCTC, and food delivery caterers that have partnered with IRCTC such as RailRestro. They provide passengers with a rich menu from more than 2000 restaurants. Passengers can order food of their choice from the menu of their partnered restaurants. The food arrives at the train seat shortly after ordering.
Passengers can book their food in a different number of ways:
1. Order Your Food Online
Any passenger with a valid reservation ticket can book food on trains through the e-catering partners’ website. All you have to do is enter the PNR number, and a list of stations will appear on the drop-down menu. Then, you can select the station where you want your food to be delivered. A list of restaurants will appear with their food menu, from where you can build the order of your choice and pay online or through Cash on Delivery to get your food delivered at your seat.
2. Book Food Through Call
Passengers can also order food on trains by calling the number 1323, and a call centre executive will book your order. Food will be delivered to your seat at your choice of station. But the order you placed could take a minimum of 60 minutes to be delivered.
3. Book Food Through a Mobile App
Passengers can order a full meal while travelling on the train through the IRCTC mobile app ‘Food on Track’, RailMitra or RailRestro App. These can be downloaded on both Android and iOS phones.
4. Book Meals Through SMS
Passengers can order their meals on trains by sending the message “MEAL on 139”. Food will be delivered to your seat at your choice of station.
Passengers will also be able to cancel orders, but this work must be done two hours before the proposed delivery. At the same time, it will take four-five days for the refund to come.
Types of Food to Order Online in Trains:
A wide variety of food menu makes your journey a little more fun. With many food aggregators at the train stations, travellers can now enjoy a wide range of North Indian, South Indian, pizza, lachha paratha, butter chicken and Chinese dishes.
These are some varieties of food provided by the e-catering partners in trains:
• Veg Food in Trains: Passengers can order the pure veg food in train by using the e-catering app and enjoy delicious and fresh food delivery on trains.
• Non-Veg Food in Trains: If you are a food lover and want to eat fresh and variety of non-vegetarian food in your meal then order online chicken masala, butter chicken, mutton, and variety of mouth-watering dishes in train.
• Jain Food in Trains: Some of the E- catering partners of IRCTC which deliver food on train specializes in providing Jain food in train. This food is specially prepared without onion and garlic.
• Group Food Order in Trains: If you are travelling with family and friends and want to enjoy your trip, then book group order food with your favourite catering partner and set yourself free from every food concern.
How to Order Food in Trains Online:
At present several online food catering partners are available for online food delivery in trains like RailMitra, RailRestro, and IRCTC. Through these new online food delivery apps, passengers can order food on the train by entering their travel details like PNR number, train name, and expect delicious and quick food delivery in train. These effective systemsof online food delivery on trains guarantee delightful food at your seat.
Follow these steps to order food in trains online:
1. Go to the website of an e-catering partner or download its app.
2. Enter the PNR number.
3. Choose among the stations and food options with the price you want to order en route.
4. Move to the menu section and check the order details.
5. Enter the details and confirm your order.
6. Pay the food bill online or Cash on Delivery(COD).
7. Enjoy your food at your train seat.
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