Passengers in Indian trains are being advised to be more careful while ordering food online.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has warned travellers to use only authorised platforms for ordering meals during train journeys.
This comes after growing concerns about food quality and the rise of unauthorised e-catering services operating in the railway ecosystem.
Why IRCTC is tightening control on train food services
IRCTC has stated that while its official e-catering network has expanded, several private platforms have also entered the market without proper approval.
According to the railways, some of these services were not following official guidelines, which could create problems for passengers.
These include poor food quality, payment issues, and even risks related to data security.
Because of these concerns, IRCTC has taken a strict stance against unauthorised food delivery operators.
Legal action against unauthorised platforms
The railway catering body has already begun legal steps against several platforms.
It issued a legal notice on February 18, 2026, followed by criminal complaints on March 16 and April 11, 2026.
After a special investigation, multiple e-catering operators were found working without railway approval.
Legal action has now been initiated against these violations.
Some of the platforms reportedly under scrutiny include RailRestro, RailMitra, TravelKhana, TrainsCafe, DIBrail, RailFood, ComesSum, TravellerFood, FoodOnTrack.in, eCatering App, KhanaOnline, TrainWay, RailMeal, and TrainMenu.
What passengers should do while ordering food
IRCTC is strongly advising passengers to order food only through official and verified channels.
These include:
IRCTC’s official e-catering website
“Food on Track” mobile app
Authorised railway food partners
Using these channels ensures better food safety, secure payment options, proper billing, and reliable customer support.
Railway officials say this step is necessary because unauthorised platforms are increasing as online food delivery grows.
Concerns over train food quality
Food safety in trains has been under discussion for some time.
In April 2026, a consumer report claimed that food served on a premium train had bacterial levels above recommended standards.
This raised fresh concerns about monitoring and hygiene standards in railway catering services.
Final takeaway for passengers
IRCTC is urging passengers to double-check where they are ordering food from before placing an order.
Using unauthorised platforms may lead to poor service or safety risks.
For a safe and reliable experience, passengers are advised to stick only to official railway-approved services while travelling.
