IRCTC Food Delivery App: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized e-catering websites and mobile applications operating across the Indian Railways network. The move aims to protect railway passengers from potential food safety risks, financial fraud, data theft and unreliable food delivery services during train journeys.
In a press release issued on November 7, 2026, IRCTC said it has launched a strict enforcement drive to identify and curb unauthorized operators providing food delivery services to railway passengers. The corporation has also moved beyond issuing warnings and initiated stringent legal action against entities allegedly conducting unauthorized business or misusing the IRCTC brand and identity.
IRCTC Names Unauthorized Food Delivery Platforms
As part of its advisory, IRCTC has identified several platforms that it describes as unauthorized e-catering operators. These include RailRestro.com, RailRestro.in, RailMitra.com, TravelKhana.com, TrainsCafe.com, DibRail.com, RailFood.net, TravelerFood.com, FoodOnTrack.in, Ecatering.app, KhanaOnline.in, Trainway.in, RailMeal.com and TrainMenu.com. IRCTC has advised passengers to verify the authorization status of any food delivery service before placing an order during their train journey.
IRCTC Food Delivery App: Food Safety and Hygiene Concerns
According to IRCTC, unauthorized food delivery platforms can expose passengers to serious health and hygiene risks. The corporation has raised concerns that some such platforms may source food from unlicensed outlets that do not follow Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and prescribed hygiene standards.
These outlets may operate in unhygienic conditions, employ untrained food handlers or use delivery personnel who have not undergone mandatory medical examinations. Such practices can compromise food quality and put passengers’ health at risk. IRCTC has stressed that food served to railway passengers must meet the required safety and hygiene standards.
IRCTC Food Delivery App: Risk of Online Payment Fraud and Data Theft
Apart from food safety, IRCTC has highlighted the risks associated with sharing personal and financial information on unverified platforms. Passengers booking meals through unauthorized websites or applications may be asked to share sensitive information such as their Passenger Name Record (PNR) details, mobile numbers, email addresses and payment credentials, including debit cards, credit cards and UPI details.
According to the corporation, sharing such information through unverified platforms can expose passengers to phishing attacks, identity misuse and financial fraud. Passengers may also face cancelled orders, delayed deliveries or situations where food is never delivered despite payment. The absence of a proper customer support and grievance-redressal system can make it difficult for passengers to recover their money or seek appropriate remedies.
IRCTC Advises Passengers to Use Official Food on Track App
To avoid these risks, IRCTC has strongly advised passengers to order meals exclusively through its official e-catering website, the Food on Track mobile application or platforms operated by authorized e-catering partners and vendors. Passengers can book meals through the official website, www.ecatering.irctc.co.in, the Food on Track application available on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, or by calling the IRCTC e-catering call centre at 1323.
The corporation said that using authorized booking channels helps ensure better food safety, transparent billing and secure payment processing. Passengers can also check the updated list of authorized e-catering partners through the official website and mobile application.
Passengers Can Report Illegal Food Delivery Activities on 182
IRCTC has urged passengers to remain alert and report unauthorized food vendors or illegal food delivery activities noticed on trains or railway premises. Passengers can report such incidents to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by calling its helpline number 182.
The corporation also pointed out that unauthorized e-catering operations may have wider financial and regulatory implications. While it contributes GST on its e-catering revenue, operators functioning outside the prescribed regulatory framework may evade applicable tax obligations. Such activities, it said, can affect fair competition, regulatory compliance and government revenue.
IRCTC Food Delivery App: Wide Range of Food Choices Through Official E-Catering
Official e-catering platform offers passengers a wide range of food options during train journeys. The service includes regional delicacies, traditional Indian meals and popular fast-food options such as pizzas and burgers. Passengers can also order cakes and other special food items to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries while travelling.
Meal prices are determined by individual restaurant partners, allowing passengers to choose food according to their preferences, budgets and requirements. IRCTC said it remains committed to providing safe, hygienic, reliable and secure catering services across the railway network. The corporation has urged passengers to avoid unverified food delivery platforms and use only officially authorized channels when ordering meals during train journeys.
