09 June,2026 08:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
IRCTC highlighted several risks associated with unauthorised e-catering services. Representational Pic/File
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a nationwide crackdown on unauthorised e-catering operators allegedly offering food delivery services to railway passengers without approval, officials said.
The move is aimed at protecting passengers from food safety risks, cyber fraud and financial losses linked to unauthorised websites and mobile applications that misuse IRCTC's branding and services, an official statement said.
IRCTC said it has initiated legal and criminal proceedings against several operators found to be offering unauthorised food delivery services on the Indian Railways network.
According to IRCTC, a legal notice was first issued to non-compliant operators on 18 February 2026. This was followed by official criminal complaints filed on 16 March and 11 April 2026.
The organisation stated that action has been initiated against several websites allegedly involved in unauthorised railway food delivery activities, including RailRestro, RailMitra, TravelKhana, TrainsCafe, DibRail, RailFood, ComeSum, TravelerFood, FoodOnTrack.in, eCatering.app, KhanaOnline, TrainWay, RailMeal and TrainMenu.
IRCTC highlighted several risks associated with unauthorised e-catering services.
The corporation warned that meals supplied through such platforms may originate from unregulated food outlets that do not follow food safety and hygiene standards prescribed by food authorities.
It also raised concerns about cyber security, stating that passengers may be asked to share personal information such as PNR numbers, contact details, email addresses and payment information on unverified platforms.
According to IRCTC, this could expose travellers to phishing attacks, financial fraud and misuse of personal data.
IRCTC has urged railway passengers to order meals only through its official e-catering channels and authorised partners.
Passengers can book meals through:
- The official IRCTC e-Catering website
- The Food on Track mobile application
- The IRCTC call centre (1323)
- Authorised IRCTC e-catering partner platforms
The corporation said these channels provide verified billing, secure payment systems, customer support and quality assurance.
IRCTC's e-catering service allows passengers travelling on reserved trains to pre-book meals and receive them directly at their seats during the journey.
The service currently operates at more than 400 railway stations across India and works with over 629 direct vendors and 5,604 restaurant partners through 13 authorised food aggregators.
In April 2026 alone, passengers booked an average of 1.55 lakh meals per day through the platform.
IRCTC's e-catering platform offers food from several well-known restaurant brands, including Behrouz Biryani, Bikanervala, 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.
The platform also partners with food delivery aggregators such as Zomato and Swiggy to expand food choices for railway passengers.
IRCTC said the crackdown forms part of its broader effort to improve passenger safety, food quality and service reliability on Indian Railways.
