IRCTC has launched a coordinated crackdown against unauthorised e-catering entities operating across the Indian Railways network, with legal and criminal action initiated against several online platforms accused of offering food delivery services without approval.
The action is aimed at protecting passenger health, data privacy and service quality, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement on Wednesday, 10 June.
According to the ministry, unauthorised e-catering platforms pose serious health and food safety risks as they may source meals from unregulated eateries that do not follow FSSAI hygiene norms.
These risks include food being prepared in unsanitary conditions and the absence of mandatory medical checks for delivery staff and kitchen workers.
The ministry also flagged financial and cyber security concerns linked to such platforms.
Passengers using these websites may be asked to share PNR details, email IDs, mobile numbers and payment information, including credit card, debit card and UPI details.
This could expose passengers to phishing attempts, fraud and direct financial losses, especially in cases where meals are cancelled or not delivered and no official customer support is available.
IRCTC has moved beyond warnings and has started formal legal proceedings against non-compliant operators.
A legal notice was served on 18 February 2026, followed by official criminal complaints registered on 16 March 2026 and 11 April 2026 against unauthorised food delivery operators.
During the special drive, IRCTC identified several operators for alleged unauthorised food delivery activities and related violations.
These include railrestro.com, railrestro.in, railmitra.com, travelkhana.com, trainscafe.com, dibrail.com, railfood.net, comesum.com, travelerfood.com, foodontrack.in, ecatering.app, khanaonline.in, trainway.in, railmeal.com and trainmenu.com.
The ministry said appropriate legal action has been initiated against these entities under applicable rules, regulations and provisions of law.
IRCTC has advised passengers to book meals only through its official e-catering website, the official Food on Track mobile application, or IRCTC-authorised e-catering aggregators and vendors.
The authorised partner list is available on the official e-catering website and mobile application.
The official IRCTC e-catering service allows passengers on reserved trains to book meals in advance using their PNR number.
Meals are delivered directly to the train coach, offering passengers a wider choice of food during their journey.
The platform includes food options from major brands such as Behrouz Biryani, Bikanerwala, Biryani Blues, Biryani by Kilo, Domino’s, Faasos, Firangi Bake, Haldiram’s, KFC, La Pino’z Pizza, Lunchbox, McDonald’s, Oven Story, Pizza Hut and Sweet Truth.
IRCTC has also partnered with food aggregators such as Zomato and Swiggy to expand food delivery services on trains.
The service includes real-time tracking and customer support for passengers.
As of April 2026, IRCTC e-catering was operating across more than 400 stations.
The platform had over 629 direct vendors and 5,604 vendors through 13 appointed food aggregators.
In April 2026, around 1.55 lakh average daily meals were booked through the e-catering service.
Passengers can book e-catering meals through the official IRCTC e-catering website, the Food on Track app on Android and iOS, the 1323 call centre, or authorised IRCTC e-catering partner platforms.
IRCTC said its e-catering service remains focused on providing safe, hygienic and quality food delivery services to railway passengers while taking strict action against unauthorised activities.
Read also : Kerala, Karnataka and Telangana get ₹668 crore rail push for doubling and electric traction upgrades
