IRCTC Launches Crackdown on Unauthorized E-Catering Platforms to Protect Railway Passengers
Corporation Warns Passengers Against Using Unverified Websites and Apps, Citing Food Safety, Data Privacy and Financial Fraud Risks
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has intensified its enforcement drive against unauthorized e-catering websites and mobile applications operating across the Indian Railways network. The initiative aims to protect railway passengers from potential health hazards, financial fraud, data theft and consumer-related grievances arising from the use of unverified food-ordering platforms.
IRCTC has warned passengers that unauthorized e-catering operators may compromise food safety and hygiene by sourcing meals from unlicensed food outlets that do not necessarily comply with the regulations prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Such outlets may operate without adequate hygiene standards, employ untrained food handlers and use delivery personnel who have not undergone mandatory medical examinations.
The Corporation said that the growing presence of unauthorized food-ordering platforms presents risks beyond the quality of meals delivered to passengers. These platforms may also expose customers to threats involving personal information, payment security and the absence of effective consumer grievance-redressal systems.
Food Safety and Hygiene Concerns
According to IRCTC, unauthorized e-catering platforms may connect passengers with food outlets that have not been verified under the prescribed regulatory framework. The absence of proper licensing and hygiene compliance can affect food preparation, storage, handling and delivery.
Food handlers who lack adequate training and delivery personnel who have not undergone mandatory medical examinations can further increase the possibility of unsafe food reaching passengers.
Since railway passengers often order meals while travelling long distances, ensuring the quality and safety of food is particularly important. IRCTC has therefore stepped up its action against entities operating e-catering services without authorization or misusing the Corporation’s brand and identity to conduct business.
The Corporation said it has moved beyond issuing warnings and is now initiating stringent legal action against non-compliant entities involved in unauthorized food delivery operations and related violations.
List of Unauthorized E-Catering Platforms
IRCTC has identified several websites and platforms operating without authorization. Passengers have been advised to exercise caution while using these services.
The names of the unauthorized operators identified by IRCTC include:
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RAILRESTRO.COM
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RAILRESTRO.IN
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FOODONTRACK.IN
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RAILMITRA.COM
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ECATERING.APP
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TRAVELKHANA.COM
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KHANAONLINE.IN
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TRAINCAFE.COM
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TRAINWAY.IN
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DIBRAIL.COM
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RAILMEAL.COM
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RAILFOOD.NET
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TRAINMENU.COM
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TRAVELERFOOD.COM
IRCTC has cautioned passengers against placing food orders through these platforms and advised them to verify the authorization status of any e-catering service before sharing personal or payment information.
Risks of Data Theft and Financial Fraud
The Corporation has also highlighted the risks associated with sharing sensitive personal and financial information on unverified websites and applications.
Passengers may be required to provide details such as their Passenger Name Record (PNR) number, email address, mobile number and payment credentials while placing food orders. If such information is shared through unauthorized platforms, it may expose users to phishing attacks, identity misuse and financial fraud.
The risks also extend to debit and credit card details and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) credentials. IRCTC has emphasized that passengers should use secure and verified channels for transactions during train journeys.
Another major concern is the possibility of orders being cancelled, delayed or not delivered at all. Passengers using unauthorized platforms may not have access to an effective customer-support or complaint-redressal mechanism. In such cases, recovering the payment or pursuing an appropriate legal remedy could become difficult.
IRCTC has urged passengers to remain alert and avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified service providers.
Official Channels for Booking Railway Meals
To ensure safe, hygienic and reliable food delivery, IRCTC has advised passengers to book meals exclusively through its official e-catering website, the Food on Track mobile application or platforms operated by IRCTC-authorized aggregators and vendors.
The approved booking channels include:
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Official website: https://www.ecatering.irctc.co.in
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Mobile application: Food on Track, available on Google Play Store and the iOS App Store.
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Voice booking: 1323 through the IRCTC call centre.
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Authorized partners: Platforms operated by IRCTC-approved e-catering aggregators and vendors.
The Corporation said that the updated list of authorized e-catering partners is available on its official website and mobile application. Passengers should check this list before placing orders through third-party platforms.
Ordering through authorized channels helps ensure verified billing, secure payment processing and compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.
Passengers who encounter unauthorized food vendors or illegal food delivery activities on railway premises or inside trains have also been encouraged to report such incidents to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by calling 182.
Unauthorized Operations Raise Regulatory and Tax Concerns
IRCTC has pointed out that unauthorized e-catering operations also have financial and regulatory implications. While the Corporation contributes Goods and Services Tax (GST) on revenue generated through its e-catering business, operators functioning outside the prescribed regulatory framework may evade applicable statutory tax obligations.
Such activities can undermine fair competition, weaken regulatory compliance and potentially cause losses to the public exchequer.
The Corporation said that strict action against unauthorized operators is necessary not only to safeguard passengers but also to ensure that catering services operate within the established legal and regulatory framework.
IRCTC E-Catering Offers Diverse Food Choices
Managing catering services on trains and at railway stations is an important part of IRCTC’s mandate. Through its e-catering platform, the Corporation has developed a system that allows passengers to choose meals from a wide range of restaurants and food partners during their journeys.
The platform offers 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 occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries while travelling.
Meal prices are market-driven, with individual restaurant partners preparing their own menus and deciding their prices. This arrangement allows passengers to select food according to their preferences, budgets and specific requirements.
Passengers can explore available food options and place orders for upcoming journeys through the official IRCTC e-Catering website or the Food on Track application.
Reiterating its commitment to passenger welfare, IRCTC has appealed to railway travellers to use only officially authorized e-catering channels. The Corporation said the enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring that passengers receive safe, hygienic and reliable meals while protecting their personal information and financial interests.
