IRCTC Takes Legal Action Against 14 Food Delivery Operators, Issues Fresh Advisory For Train Passengers

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a fresh warning to railway passengers, urging them to order meals only through its authorised e-catering channels.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the quality and safety of food supplied by several private platforms that are allegedly operating without railway approval.

According to IRCTC, legal action has already been initiated against a number of unauthorised food delivery operators. The railways has advised passengers to verify the platform before placing any food order during their train journey.

Why Has IRCTC Issued This Warning?

Over the past few months, questions have repeatedly been raised about the quality of food available on trains. At the same time, the popularity of online e-catering services has encouraged several private companies to offer food delivery to passengers travelling by rail.

It must be noted - IRCTC says that not every platform offering train food delivery is officially authorised. The corporation has alleged that some operators have been providing e-catering services without following railway regulations or obtaining the necessary approvals.

Officials believe that using such unauthorised platforms can expose passengers to several risks, including:

• Poor-quality or unhygienic food
• Payment and refund disputes
• Data privacy and security concerns
• Lack of official customer support in case of complaints

To address these issues, IRCTC has asked travellers to use only approved channels while ordering meals.

Legal Action Against Unauthorised Food Delivery Platforms

IRCTC said it first issued a legal notice to unauthorised operators on February 18, 2026. When some platforms allegedly continued their services, the corporation followed up with criminal complaints on March 16 and April 11, 2026.

During a special investigation drive, railway authorities identified several websites and applications that were reportedly offering e-catering services without official permission. Legal proceedings have now been initiated against these operators.

According to information shared by IRCTC, the platforms that have come under scrutiny include:

• RailRestro
• RailMitra
• TravelKhana
• TrainsCafe
• DIBrail
• RailFood
• ComesSum
• TravellerFood
• FoodOnTrack.in
• eCatering App
• KhanaOnline
• TrainWay
• RailMeal
• TrainMenu

Railway officials have maintained that these platforms are not authorised by IRCTC for official e-catering services.

Passengers Advised to Use Official Channels

IRCTC has requested passengers to place food orders only through its official e-catering website, the Food on Track mobile application, or other railway-authorised food partners.
According to the corporation, using authorised services offers several advantages, including:

• Hygienic and quality-checked food
• Secure online payment options
• Accurate billing and order tracking
• Access to official customer support in case of complaints

The railway body believes that choosing approved platforms can help passengers avoid unnecessary inconvenience during their journey.

Growing Concerns Over Food Quality on Trains

The latest warning also comes against the backdrop of increasing debate over food quality on Indian trains. Earlier this year, a consumer organisation report raised concerns after claiming that some food items served on a premium train contained bacteria levels above recommended safety standards.

The report sparked discussions about hygiene checks, quality control, and the need for stronger monitoring of food served to railway passengers. Although railways continue to conduct inspections and audits, officials say passenger awareness is equally important.

Check Before You Order

With online food delivery services becoming more common, railway authorities say passengers should always verify whether a platform is officially recognised before placing an order. Failing to do so could lead to issues ranging from delayed deliveries to payment disputes and poor-quality meals.

IRCTC has reiterated that ordering food only through authorised channels is the safest way to ensure reliable service, proper customer support, and quality assurance while travelling by train.

As rail travel continues to embrace digital services, the corporation says strict enforcement against unauthorised operators will remain a priority to protect passenger interests and maintain service standards.