New Delhi | The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a major nationwide crackdown against unauthorized e-catering services, declaring 14 websites as non-compliant in a strong move aimed at strengthening passenger safety, food quality, and digital trust.
In its official statement, the corporation said legal action has already been initiated against the identified platforms, with continuous monitoring underway to ensure strict compliance with railway catering norms. IRCTC emphasized that passenger safety and food hygiene remain its highest priorities, and any deviation from approved systems poses serious risks.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
According to the findings, several unauthorized e-catering operators have been supplying food through unregulated kitchens that do not follow mandatory hygiene protocols. These include the absence of standardized cleanliness procedures, lack of medical screening for food handlers, and failure to comply with essential quality checks required under railway catering guidelines.
IRCTC has advised passengers to place food orders only through its official website, the Food on Track mobile application, or authorized partner platforms. The corporation warned that using unauthorized services could expose users to data theft, payment fraud, and broader cybersecurity threats.
Officials stated that the enforcement drive is part of a larger initiative to secure the railway’s digital ecosystem and improve transparency in passenger services. Surveillance systems are being strengthened to detect and prevent any illegal e-catering activity at an early stage.
The corporation also confirmed that advanced monitoring tools are being used to track suspicious websites and unusual booking patterns in real time. Alongside this, awareness campaigns will be launched to educate passengers about safe digital practices and encourage the use of verified platforms only.
Experts noted that unauthorized e-catering services pose dual risks—compromising food safety and exposing passengers to digital payment vulnerabilities. Industry observers believe the crackdown could significantly reshape the railway food delivery ecosystem, leaving only compliant and regulated operators in the market.
IRCTC further stated that stricter regulatory frameworks and licensing norms are under consideration to enhance accountability and ensure greater transparency in service delivery. These measures aim to improve both passenger experience and system reliability.
The corporation has also upgraded its passenger grievance redressal mechanism, enabling real-time complaint registration. This is expected to help authorities quickly identify unauthorized vendors and take immediate corrective action.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen digital governance and modernize public service infrastructure. Overall, it is seen as a significant step toward improving safety, transparency, and trust in railway catering services.
IRCTC reiterated that continuous monitoring will remain in place and strict action will be taken against any entity violating regulations. Passengers have been strongly advised not to share personal or financial information on suspicious platforms or unverified applications.
The corporation emphasized that relying solely on official platforms is the most reliable way to ensure safe food delivery and secure transactions during train journeys. Officials added that the crackdown is part of an ongoing digital security strategy for the railway ecosystem, with further technological upgrades and regulatory tightening expected in the future.
IRCTC stated that its core objective is to provide safe, transparent, and reliable digital services to passengers. Efforts to enhance the quality and oversight of e-catering services are being continuously strengthened, and the enforcement drive will remain active for the long term to ensure a secure and accountable system across the railway network.
