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IRCTC has intensified action against unauthorised railway food delivery platforms over passenger safety and financial fraud risks.
Why Is IRCTC Targeting Unauthorised Platforms?
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched an enforcement drive against unauthorised e-catering websites and mobile applications operating across the Indian Railways network. The initiative, announced on November 12, aims to address concerns involving food safety, financial security, data privacy and consumer protection.
According to IRCTC, several unauthorised platforms obtain meals from unlicensed food outlets that may not comply with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. Such establishments may operate without adequate hygiene standards, trained food handlers or mandatory medical examinations for delivery personnel, potentially exposing passengers to health risks.
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How Are Passengers Exposed to Financial Fraud?
IRCTC has raised concerns about passengers sharing sensitive personal and financial information with unverified food delivery platforms. These details may include Passenger Name Record (PNR) information, mobile numbers, email addresses and payment credentials, including debit cards, credit cards and UPI details.
The corporation warned that such information could be misused for phishing, identity theft and financial fraud. Passengers may also face cancelled, delayed or undelivered orders without reliable customer support. Inadequate complaint-handling mechanisms can make refunds and legal remedies difficult to obtain.
Which Platforms Face IRCTC Scrutiny?
IRCTC has identified several operators as unauthorised, including RailRestro.com, RailRestro.in, RailMitra.com, TravelKhana.com, TrainsCafe.com, DibRail.com, RailFood.net, TravelerFood.com, FoodOnTrack.in, ECatering.app, KhanaOnline.in, Trainway.in, RailMeal.com and TrainMenu.com.
The corporation said it has moved beyond issuing warnings and is initiating legal action against non-compliant operators, including entities allegedly misusing its name and identity. It also highlighted potential tax implications, stating that unauthorised businesses operating outside the prescribed regulatory framework may evade statutory obligations, undermine fair competition and cause losses to government revenue.
How Can Railway Passengers Order Food Safely?
IRCTC has advised passengers to place meal orders exclusively through its official e-catering website, the Food on Track mobile application or authorised catering partners. Passengers can also use the designated 1323 voice booking service. The official website provides an updated list of authorised vendors and aggregators.
Passengers encountering unauthorised food vendors or illegal delivery operations on trains or railway premises have been encouraged to report incidents to the Railway Protection Force through helpline 182. IRCTC said authorised booking channels provide verified billing, secure payment processing and regulated food services.
The enforcement drive highlights the financial and privacy risks associated with sharing railway booking details on unverified websites. Passengers should verify a catering platform’s authorisation before providing PNR information, contact details or payment credentials, particularly when using unfamiliar applications or websites.
