Is Your Train Food Safe? Fake Vendors vs. Official eCatering

Ordering food on trains has become quick and convenient through online food delivery services. However, the growing popularity of digital ordering has also led to fake train food delivery websites, fraudulent payment requests, and unauthorised vendors targeting railway passengers.

Recognising these scams can help you order food safely and avoid unnecessary inconvenience during your journey. Recently, IRCTC also initiated legal action against several unauthorised eCatering entities operating on the Indian Railways network, reinforcing the importance of using only official food ordering platforms.

By understanding how genuine railway food ordering services operate and recognising common warning signs, passengers can make informed decisions and enjoy a safer, hassle-free travel experience.

Unofficial Websites and Third-Party Links

IRCTC has recently intensified its efforts to curb unauthorised food ordering services operating across the Indian Railways network. As part of a special enforcement drive, the organisation initiated legal action against 14 non compliant operators involved in unauthorised eCatering activities. Following a legal notice issued on 18 February 2026, IRCTC proceeded with official criminal complaints in March and April 2026.

The identified entities include railrestro.com, railrestro.in, railmitra.com, travelkhana.com, trainscafe.com, dibrail.com, railfood.net, comesum.com, travelerfood.com, foodontrack.in, ecatering.app, khanaonline.in, trainway.in, railmeal.com, and trainmenu.com. Through these actions, IRCTC aims to protect passengers from unauthorised services that operate outside the recognised eCatering ecosystem.

The move also highlights the risks associated with ordering through unauthorised platforms. Such entities may source food from unregulated establishments that do not follow prescribed food safety and hygiene standards. In addition, passengers may unknowingly share sensitive information such as PNR details, contact numbers, email addresses, and payment credentials on platforms that fall outside authorised systems. To safeguard passenger interests, IRCTC advises travellers to order only through official IRCTC eCatering channels and authorised partner platforms. Doing so helps ensure access to verified restaurants, secure payment processing, accountable customer support, and a more reliable food ordering experience throughout the journey.

Read about How to Identify Authorized Food Vendors on Trains

How to Order Food Safely During Train Journeys

To protect yourself from hygiene risks, hidden costs, and payment fraud, IRCTC strongly advises passengers to book their transit meals exclusively through its official eCatering website, the “Food on Track” mobile application, or authorised partners. While unauthorised vendors frequently compromise on safety, the official platform guarantees strict food hygiene, verified billing, and secure payment processing.

This official network spans over 400 stations, delivering a massive 155,000+ daily meals in April 2026 alone through a verified ecosystem of over 629 direct vendors and over 5,600 outlets managed via 13 appointed food aggregators, including trusted household names like Domino’s, Haldiram’s, and major platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. Available to anyone on a reserved train, the eCatering service maps food delivery directly to your coach using your unique PNR number, combining a vast, secure menu with real-time tracking and dedicated support to ensure a seamless, reliable alternative to unauthorised food operators.

Common Train Food Scams Passengers Should Know About

Fake Food Delivery Calls

One of the most common scams involves callers pretending to represent railway food services. These callers may contact passengers and claim there is an issue with an existing order or offer assistance with placing a new one. In some cases, they ask passengers to make an advance payment through a personal UPI ID or bank account. Others may request payment details under the pretext of confirming an order.

It is important to remember that genuine food ordering services follow official ordering and payment procedures. Orders are linked to recognised platforms, and payments are processed through secure channels. If you receive an unexpected call requesting money transfers or payment information, take a moment to verify the source before taking any action.

Unauthorised Vendors at Stations

Many railway stations have food vendors operating on platforms. Passengers may find it difficult to assess how the food was prepared, stored, or handled before purchase. Food from unauthorised sources may also not comply with applicable FSSAI hygiene standards, making quality and food safety uncertain. Choosing verified restaurant partners through official ordering platforms provides greater transparency.

Warning Signs Passengers Should Never Ignore

• Someone requests payment through an unfamiliar UPI ID.
• You receive an unexpected call asking for an advance payment.
• There is no official order confirmation.
• The restaurant is not listed on IRCTC eCatering or other partner ordering platforms.
• A website link appears suspicious or unfamiliar.
• Food arrives without proper packaging or labelling.
• Customer support details are unavailable.
• Someone asks you to complete a payment outside the official ordering process.

These signs do not always indicate a scam. However, they should encourage passengers to verify information before making payments or placing orders.

The Clear Divide: Authorised Ecosystem vs. Unauthorised Market

The distinction between an authorised partner and an unauthorised vendor isn’t just a matter of paperwork. It dictates your safety, health, and financial security during a journey.

When you choose an authorised partner through eCatering, you are entering a strictly regulated ecosystem. These vendors are bound by legal contracts, undergo rigorous FSSAI hygiene audits, offer transparent and verified billing, and process transactions over encrypted gateways. If an order goes wrong, there is a clear, accountable chain of customer support to fix it.

Conversely,unauthorised vendors and rogue digital platforms operate entirely in the shadows. Because they answer to no regulatory oversight, they can source meals from unverified, unhygienic local kitchens, leading to severe food safety risks. Furthermore, they can use non-secure checkout pages or deceptive UPI links to scrape your personal information, contact numbers, and financial credentials.

Verified food partners play an important role in creating a reliable food ordering experience during train journeys.

Hygiene and Food Safety Standards

Food quality begins with proper preparation and handling. Verified restaurant partners follow applicable food safety practices designed to support hygiene and consistency.

FSSAI Compliance

Authorised food partners operate within established regulatory frameworks, including relevant FSSAI requirements. This provides an additional layer of accountability.

Structured Customer Support

If passengers experience an issue with an order, official platforms provide access to customer support channels. This creates a clear process for addressing concerns or raising complaints.

Reliable Ordering Process

Verified food partners operate through organised ordering systems that connect passengers, restaurants, and service teams. This structure helps reduce confusion and improve transparency throughout the ordering process.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you believe you have encountered suspicious activity related to train food ordering, taking prompt action can help minimise potential risks.

Stop Further Interaction

If a caller or vendor seems suspicious, avoid sharing additional information and discontinue the conversation.

Avoid Making Payments

Do not transfer money outside official ordering systems. Genuine services do not require passengers to make payments through unknown personal accounts.

Verify Through Official Channels

If you are unsure about a call, message, website, or order request, verify the information through the official IRCTC eCatering website, the Food on Track app, or recognised customer support channels before proceeding.

Report the Concern

Passengers can raise complaints or seek clarification through official customer support systems when necessary. Reporting suspicious activity may also help prevent similar incidents from affecting other travellers.

For assistance, passengers can contact:

Helpline: 1323

Official WhatsApp: +91-8750001323

Using verified communication channels helps ensure that concerns are addressed through the appropriate process.

Safe Travel Starts with Informed Choices

Ordering food during train journeys has become easier and more accessible. For most passengers, the experience is simple, convenient, and hassle-free. However, staying alert to potential scams remains important. A few basic precautions, such as using official platforms and choosing authorised food partners, can help passengers avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Choose authorised food partners through IRCTC eCatering, stay informed, and make every train journey more comfortable.