The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) plays a vital role in managing the food and catering services for millions of passengers traveling across India’s vast railway network. With the advent of technology, the IRCTC has embraced digital platforms to enhance the food ordering experience for passengers, allowing them to order food conveniently and efficiently. the IRCTC food ordering system, how it works, the types of food available, the pricing, and how passengers can place orders.
Overview of IRCTC Food Ordering System
The IRCTC food ordering system is designed to offer passengers a wide variety of food options during their train journey. The system includes a range of services that passengers can avail themselves of, such as ordering meals in advance, ordering through mobile apps, or ordering food directly from stations during train stops. The service is available on most long-distance trains, including premium services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat Express, as well as other trains where catering is a part of the service.
Passengers can opt for various food delivery options, including hot meals, snacks, and beverages, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements. The IRCTC ensures that the food provided is safe, hygienic, and prepared according to the standards set by the railway authorities. The introduction of online food ordering has revolutionized the catering experience on trains.
How the IRCTC Food Ordering System Works
The IRCTC food ordering system allows passengers to place food orders either online or through the phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the system works:
- IRCTC Website and Mobile App
The IRCTC food ordering system is available via the official IRCTC website and mobile app. These platforms allow passengers to check available food options, view menus, and place orders from their preferred vendors. Passengers can choose to have their food delivered to their train seats or pick it up at stations during train halts.
- Pre-booking Food
Passengers can pre-book their meals up to 24 hours in advance of their journey. This can be done through the IRCTC website, mobile app, or via the 139 helpline number. Pre-booking ensures that passengers receive their meals at the scheduled time without any last-minute hassle.
To pre-book food:
Visit the IRCTC website or app
Choose the train and the route
Browse through the food options and select your meals
Make the payment online
Receive a confirmation of your food order with delivery details
- Ordering During Journey
Passengers can also order food during their journey through the IRCTC’s onboard catering services. Train attendants, known as ‘Train Food Suppliers,’ visit passengers to offer meals, snacks, and beverages. Additionally, passengers can place orders using the ‘Food on Track’ platform, which can be accessed by scanning QR codes displayed on their seats or tables.
- Food Delivery Service at Stations
IRCTC also provides food delivery service at stations where passengers can pick up their orders from IRCTC-affiliated food stalls or delivery points. This service is available at select stations and helps passengers avoid the inconvenience of train delays or missed food service during train rides.
- Payment Methods
IRCTC’s food ordering service accepts a variety of payment methods, including:
Debit/Credit cards
Net banking
UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
Mobile wallets
Cash on delivery (for some orders)
- Food Delivery Time
The time for food delivery depends on the type of service chosen. Pre-booked food is delivered at specific times during the journey, usually around meal times. Onboard orders are delivered as soon as possible, but the delivery window may vary depending on the availability of vendors and the distance between stations.
Types of Food Available
The IRCTC offers a wide range of food options, catering to diverse tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. Passengers can choose from the following categories:
- Vegetarian Meals
For passengers who prefer vegetarian food, IRCTC provides various meal options. These meals may include:
North Indian dishes like roti, dal, sabzi, rice, and curd
South Indian delicacies such as dosa, idli, sambar, and vada
Fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches
Fruits, juices, and milk-based desserts
- Non-Vegetarian Meals
Non-vegetarian passengers can enjoy meals such as:
Chicken or mutton curries with rice or chapati
Fish and seafood dishes
Egg-based preparations like boiled eggs, omelets, and egg curry
- Snacks and Beverages
For lighter meals, passengers can opt for snacks, including:
Biscuits, chips, and nuts
Fruit-based snacks
Tea, coffee, fruit juices, and cold drinks
- Special Diets and Jain Meals
The IRCTC offers customized meal options for passengers with special dietary requirements, including:
Jain meals (without onion and garlic)
Gluten-free meals
Low-calorie meals
Diabetic-friendly meals
- Regional Specialities
One of the standout features of IRCTC’s food ordering system is its inclusion of regional food options. Depending on the train’s route, passengers can order local delicacies such as:
Pulao and biryani in trains passing through Andhra Pradesh or Telangana
Parathas and stuffed breads in trains crossing Uttar Pradesh or Punjab
Dosas and vadas in trains running through South India
Pricing of IRCTC Food Orders
The pricing of food ordered through IRCTC depends on the type of meal and the train service. While the prices are generally affordable, they can vary depending on factors such as train class (e.g., AC or non-AC), type of meal (snacks or full meal), and distance traveled.
For instance, prices for standard meals can range from INR 80 to INR 250, depending on the type and quality of food. Premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Vande Bharat might have slightly higher prices for their meals, but these meals are generally of better quality and served in more luxurious settings.
Benefits of Using IRCTC Food Ordering Service
The IRCTC food ordering service provides multiple benefits for travelers:
Convenience: The ability to pre-order meals or order during the journey gives passengers the flexibility to plan their meals without waiting for food carts or struggling with limited options at stations.
Hygiene and Quality: IRCTC ensures that all food is prepared under strict hygiene standards, ensuring the safety and quality of meals served to passengers.
Variety: The wide range of meal options caters to all dietary preferences, from vegetarian and non-vegetarian to gluten-free and Jain meals.
Availability: The service is available on most long-distance trains, including popular services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, and Vande Bharat, making it accessible to a large number of passengers.
Time Efficiency: With pre-booked meals, passengers can avoid long waiting times for food and enjoy their meals without any interruptions.
Customizable Options: The option to customize meals, especially for passengers with special dietary requirements, is a key feature that sets IRCTC’s food ordering service apart.
How to Place an IRCTC Food Order
Via the IRCTC Website:
Visit the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in)
Go to the ‘Food on Track’ section
Select your train, route, and meal preferences
Confirm your order and make the payment
Via the IRCTC App:
Download and install the IRCTC app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Log in to your account
Choose your train and meal options
Confirm and pay for your food order
Via Phone:
Dial the IRCTC helpline (139) to place your order over the phone
Provide your journey details and select your meal preferences
Make payment through your preferred method
The IRCTC food ordering system has significantly transformed the passenger experience on Indian Railways, making it easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable for travelers to get their meals during long journeys. With a variety of food options, flexible ordering methods, and competitive prices, the IRCTC has taken a significant step in improving onboard services. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the IRCTC food ordering system ensures that you can enjoy delicious, hygienic, and timely meals during your train journey.
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