Ordering food during a train journey has become easier with the availability of e-catering websites and mobile applications. But not all platforms offering food delivery on trains are authorised by the Indian Railways.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has now intensified its enforcement drive against unauthorised e-catering websites and mobile applications. It warned passengers about potential food safety, financial and data privacy risks.
Craving a meal on your train journey? Make sure you know where to place your order. IRCTC eCatering offers four authorised booking routes: its official website, the Food on Track app, the 1323 call centre, and IRCTC-authorised eCatering partner platforms. Always verify the channel before sharing your PNR or payment details. A little awareness goes a long way in making your onboard food experience more secure and convenient.
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???? WhatsApp +91-875000132— ECatering IRCTC (@eCateringIRCTC) October 28, 2026
On Saturday, IRCTC advised passengers to order meals only through its official e-catering website, the Food on Track mobile application or its authorised partners, reported ANI. The railway said unauthorised platforms may expose passengers to unhygienic food, payment fraud and misuse of personal information.
Not every platform offering food delivery on trains is an authorised IRCTC eCatering partner. Unverified platforms may expose passengers to risks involving food hygiene, personal information and payments. Before placing an order, check whether the platform is authorised through the official IRCTC eCatering website or Food on Track app. Make informed choices, protect your information, and avoid the risks associated with unauthorised operators. When ordering food on the train, verify first.
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???? WhatsApp +91-875000132— ECatering IRCTC (@eCateringIRCTC) November 5, 2026
Why is IRCTC warning passengers against unauthorised food delivery apps?
According to IRCTC, several unauthorised e-catering platforms may source meals from unlicensed food outlets that do not necessarily follow the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and prescribed hygiene standards.
The corporation said such outlets may operate in unhygienic conditions, employ untrained food handlers and use delivery personnel who have not undergone mandatory medical examinations. These practices could compromise food quality and passenger safety.
IRCTC has also raised concerns over the misuse of its brand and identity by entities operating unauthorised food delivery services.
आपकी आईआरसीटीसी यूज़र ID व्यक्तिगत है तथा इसकी सुरक्षा की ज़िम्मेदारी आपकी भी है।
रेलवे टिकट बुक करते समय अपना व्यक्तिगत आईआरसीटीसी यूज़र आइडी या पासवर्ड किसी के साथ साझा न करें। टिकट बुकिंग के लिए बॉट्स, ऑटोमेटेड स्क्रिप्ट या किसी भी अनधिकृत तरीके का इस्तेमाल करने से बचें, भले ही टिकट आपके स्वयं के लिए बुक किया जा रहा हो।
संदिग्ध या प्रतिबंधित गतिविधियों के चलते आपकी यूज़र ID निष्क्रिय की जा सकती है तथा लागू नियमों के अनुसार कार्रवाई भी की जा सकती है।
रेलवे टिकट बुक करने के लिए हमेशा आईआरसीटीसी की आधिकारिक वेबसाइट, मोबाइल ऐप या आईआरसीटीसी के अधिकृत एजेंट अथवा पार्टनर का ही उपयोग करें।
सुरक्षित बुकिंग करें। ज़िम्मेदारी से बुकिंग करें। सभी के लिए निष्पक्ष, पारदर्शी और सुरक्षित रेलवे टिकट बुकिंग सुनिश्चित करने में सहयोग करें।
अधिक जानकारी एवं बुकिंग के लिए विज़िट करें: https://t.co/AF0geM3mEa
@RailMinIndia @mygovindia
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) November 5, 2026
How can unauthorised apps put your personal and financial data at risk?
IRCTC warned that using unverified platforms to share personal details, including PNR numbers, email addresses, mobile numbers and payment information such as card or UPI details, could leave passengers vulnerable to phishing, identity theft and financial fraud.
The corporation also cautioned that passengers ordering through such services may face cancelled, delayed or undelivered orders. Without a proper customer support or grievance-redressal system, recovering money or pursuing complaints could become difficult.
What action is IRCTC taking against unauthorised platforms?
IRCTC said it has stepped up its enforcement measures and moved beyond issuing warnings to initiating stringent legal action against entities involved in unauthorised food delivery operations and related violations.
The corporation also pointed out the financial and regulatory implications of such activities. While IRCTC contributes GST on its e-catering revenue, unauthorised operators functioning outside the prescribed regulatory framework may evade applicable tax obligations. According to IRCTC, this can undermine fair competition and potentially lead to losses to the public exchequer.
Which food delivery apps are authorised by IRCTC?
IRCTC has advised passengers to use its official e-catering website, the Food on Track app or authorised e-catering partners. According to the list shared by IRCTC, its authorised food aggregators include: Zomato, Swiggy, Zoop, RailYatri, Rail Recipe, Yatribhojan, Yatrirestro, Garg Rajdhani, Homebytes, OLF, Relfood, Gofoodieonline, Rajbhog, BrotherByte, Happy Journey and Swad Express.
The corporation said passengers can check the updated list of authorised partners through its official e-catering website and mobile application.
List of unauthorised e-catering websites identified by IRCTC
Several websites operating unauthorised e-catering services have been identified across the railway network.
According to IRCTC, some of the websites operating unauthorised e-catering services 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.
How to report unauthorised food vendors on trains
Passengers who come across unauthorised food vendors or illegal food delivery activities at railway stations or on trains can report them to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by calling its helpline number 182.
