If you often order food while travelling by train, this update is important for you.
IRCTC has advised passengers to order meals only through authorized platforms.
The railway catering company has started taking legal and criminal action against several unauthorized food delivery operators that were offering e-catering services without approval.
The move comes amid growing concerns about food quality, passenger safety, and payment security during train journeys.
Why Is IRCTC Taking Action?
Online food delivery for train passengers has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Many travelers now order meals through mobile apps or websites and receive them directly at railway stations.
However, IRCTC says that several platforms have been operating without authorization from the Railways.
According to the company, these unauthorized services may not follow railway guidelines, which can increase the risk of:
Poor food quality
Hygiene-related issues
Payment disputes
Customer service problems
Data security concerns
To protect passengers, IRCTC has decided to take strict action against such operators.
Legal and Criminal Complaints Filed
IRCTC stated that it first issued legal notices to unauthorized operators on February 18, 2026.
Later, formal criminal complaints were filed on March 16 and April 11, 2026.
During a special investigation drive, several platforms were found providing e-catering services without railway authorization.
Based on the findings, further legal proceedings have also been initiated.
Which Platforms Are Under Scrutiny?
According to IRCTC, action has been initiated against several food delivery websites and apps that were allegedly operating without proper authorization.
Some of the platforms named include:
RailRestro
RailMitra
TravelKhana
TrainsCafe
DIBrail
RailFood
ComesSum
TravelerFood
FoodOnTrack.in
eCatering App
KhanaOnline
TrainWay
RailMeal
TrainMenu
Railway authorities have indicated that further action may be taken if additional violations are discovered.
Where Should Passengers Order Food?
IRCTC has clearly advised passengers to use only authorized channels for food orders.
These include:
IRCTC’s official e-catering website
Food on Track mobile app
Railway-approved food vendors and aggregators
Ordering through authorized platforms offers several benefits:
Better food hygiene standards
Secure payment options
Accurate billing
Reliable customer support
Passengers can check the list of authorized partners directly on IRCTC’s official platform.
Food Quality Concerns Add to the Debate
The issue comes at a time when train food quality has already been under public scrutiny.
In April 2026, a consumer advocacy platform released a laboratory test report on food served on a premium train.
The report claimed that certain food items, including jeera rice and paneer curry, contained bacterial contamination levels above recommended limits.
While some items reportedly met safety standards, the findings sparked fresh discussions about food quality monitoring in railway catering services.
Railways Focus on Passenger Safety
Railway officials believe that the growing popularity of online food delivery has also led to an increase in unauthorized operators.
This not only affects passenger safety but can also create problems for official railway systems.
As a result, IRCTC is strengthening its efforts to promote authorized food delivery channels and crack down on rule violations.
The message from the Railways is simple: before placing a food order during a train journey, make sure the platform is authorized.
A quick check can help you avoid issues related to food quality, payments, and customer support while travelling.
