IRCTC Crackdown on Unauthorized E-Catering Platforms: Legal Action Against RailRestro, RailMitra, TravelKhana and Others
New Delhi, 10th June 2026: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a coordinated nationwide drive against unauthorized e-catering operators that have been offering food delivery services to railway passengers without authorization from the corporation.
The move comes amid concerns over food safety, data security, and consumer protection associated with unregulated food delivery platforms operating in the railway ecosystem. IRCTC said it has identified several websites and mobile applications allegedly providing food delivery services on trains while misusing its branding and operating outside the authorized framework.
According to IRCTC, unauthorized operators often source food from establishments that may not comply with food safety standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The corporation stated that such practices could expose passengers to health risks arising from unhygienic food preparation and inadequate compliance with mandatory health protocols for food handlers and delivery personnel.
The corporation also flagged concerns related to financial and cyber security. It stated that passengers using unauthorized platforms are often required to provide personal details such as PNR numbers, contact information, email addresses, and payment credentials. IRCTC warned that such data collection could expose users to phishing attempts, fraud, and other cyber risks. It added that passengers may face difficulties obtaining refunds or customer support in cases of cancelled or undelivered orders.
As part of the enforcement drive, IRCTC has escalated its action beyond warnings and notices. The corporation issued a formal legal notice to non-compliant operators on February 18, 2026. This was followed by criminal complaints filed on March 16 and April 11, 2026, against entities allegedly engaged in unauthorized food delivery operations.
The operators identified by IRCTC during the drive 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
– trainmenu.com
IRCTC has advised passengers to order meals only through its official e-catering channels, including the e-Catering website, the Food on Track mobile application, the 1323 call centre service, and authorized e-catering partners listed on official platforms.
The corporation’s e-catering service enables passengers travelling on reserved trains to pre-book meals for delivery at designated stations along their route. Orders are linked to passengers through their PNR numbers and are delivered directly to train coaches.
The service currently offers food from a range of restaurant brands, including Behrouz Biryani, Bikanerwala, Biryani Blues, Biryani by Kilo, Domino’s, Faasos, Firangi Bake, Haldiram’s, KFC, La Pino’z Pizza, Lunchbox, McDonald’s, Oven Story, Pizza Hut and Sweet Truth. IRCTC has also partnered with food delivery aggregators such as Zomato and Swiggy for train-based food delivery services.
As of April 2026, IRCTC’s e-catering network was operational at more than 400 railway stations across the country. The service worked with over 629 direct vendors and 5,604 vendors through 13 appointed food aggregators. During April 2026, the platform recorded an average of 1,55,356 meal bookings per day.
Passengers can access the service through the official e-Catering website, the Food on Track mobile applications for Android and iOS, the 1323 call centre, and authorized partner platforms.
