IRCTC ecatering service: How to order food on a train

Apart from ordering food for a couple of people, commuters can also order food in bulk for 15 or more people. Here's what you need to do.

IRCTC has partnered with a host of restaurants across the country to give commuters a variety of meal options to pick from. (Utpal Sarkar)

Travelling via trains in India is an experience worth having. The Indian railways connect the length and breadth of the country and in the process, it takes us through some of the most picturesque scenes in the country. A journey this memorable needs to be accompanied by good food. IRCTC provides food to train commuters in India. Earlier, the available meal used to include a bunch of standard items. But now, IRCTC has partnered with a host of restaurants across the country to give commuters a variety of meal options to pick from. Commuters can order this food while taking the journey or before they start their journey. Additionally, they can also order food in bulk for 15 or more people. Here's how:

How to order food online on a train

Step 1: Download the app ‘Food on Track' from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Alternatively, you can also access IRCTC's e-catering website or call on 1323.

Step 2: Now, enter your 10-digit PNR number. On doing this, the app will retrieve details pertaining to your journey such as train name, station name and passenger details to present a list of food partners that serve on your route.

Step 3: Select the station where you wish to get your food delivered.

Step 4: Choose your preferred restaurant from the list of available restaurants and then select the food that you wish to order.

Step 4: Then pay for your food. You can pay online or order food via cash-on-delivery.

Once all of this is done, food will be delivered to you when you arrive at the station that you have selected.

How to order food on a train for a large group of people

IRCTC also enables users to order food for a large group of people online. But to avail this service, you need to order food for at least 15 people. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Download the app ‘Food on Track' from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 2: Click on ‘Group Food Booking' on the top right corner of the page.

Step 3: Now fill in all the relevant details like your name, mobile number, number of passengers, date of journey, PNR and food preference, if any.

Step 4: Next, select your choice of language and hit submit. You'll receive a call back from one of the IRCTC executives within the next 24 hours.

Step 5: Choose the meals from the list of available options and confirm your order.

Step 6: Pay for your food.

IRCTC says that it will notify the restaurant to start preparing your order as soon as it receives the advance payment. This food will be delivered directly to your train seat at the right.