Long train journeys in India are about to get tastier and more convenient. Gone are the days of worrying about overpriced or unhygienic food on mail and express trains. With the launch of the new e-Pantry service, passengers can now pre-book their meals while buying their train tickets, just like on premium trains.
What is the E-Pantry Service?
The e-Pantry is a digital meal booking system integrated with the IRCTC ticketing platform. Passengers travelling on select mail and express trains can now order their meals online, ensuring they receive fresh, hygienic, and fairly priced food right at their seats.
How Does It Work?
- When booking your train ticket on the IRCTC website or app, simply select the e-Pantry meal option.
- Choose from a variety of meal options, including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and special dietary meals.
- After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation and a meal verification code via SMS or email.
- On your journey, share this code with the pantry staff, and your pre-ordered meal will be delivered directly to your seat.
Why Passengers Will Love It
- No More Overcharging: Meal prices are fixed and displayed during booking, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
- Hygienic Food: Meals are prepared in clean, certified kitchens and delivered in sealed packages.
- Wide Variety: Choose from regional favourites, snacks, beverages, and even meals from popular restaurant chains.
- Cashless Convenience: Pay online and avoid the hassle of carrying extra cash.
- No unauthorised vendors: Only IRCTC-approved staff deliver the meals, ensuring quality and safety.
- Easy Refunds: If your meal isn’t delivered as promised, you’re entitled to a refund, with updates sent via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
A Step Towards Better Train Travel
This new service is currently being tested on India’s longest train route and will soon expand to more trains across the country. With e-Pantry, Indian Railways is making sure that your journey is not just about reaching your destination, but enjoying the ride with tasty, safe, and reliable meals
