Ordering Food After Booking a Ticket on Indian Railways: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling on Indian Railways can be an enriching experience, but one common concern for many passengers is whether it's possible to add food to their order after booking a ticket. The good news is that this option is available through various catering services and food delivery apps. This guide will walk you through the process and provide insights into the available options.

Available Food Delivery Options

To order your food or meal after booking a ticket on Indian Railways, you can utilize the Indian Railways catering service or popular food delivery apps like IRCTC's e-catering service and others such as Rail Restro and PayTM. These services allow you to order your meals online or via phone, with option to place an order up until a few hours before your train's scheduled departure.

Rail Restro

I've personally used Rail Restro for my meal orders. This service partners with local restaurants near railway stations, providing a convenient way to order food. For instance, it's possible to order dedicated meals for your siblings or family members, ensuring everyone's taste is catered for.

PayTM and Dominos Pizza

Alongside Rail Restro, PayTM and Dominos Pizza are also popular options. Dominos Pizza, in particular, offers a unique service by delivering pizzas directly to your seat. I ordered a pizza for my brother once, and it was delivered to his seat exactly when he was boarding his train.

Food Prices and Quality

While the prices for these gourmet meals may seem steep, the quality, hygiene, and taste significantly surpass the prepackaged meals typically available on the train. For instance, a simple Vegetarian Thali (a combination of various vegetarian dishes) costs around 167 rupees, while a special Thali might cost 222 rupees. Despite the higher cost, the premium experience justifies the price, providing a much better dining experience during your journey.

Limited Availability

It's important to note that food services are not available on all trains and routes. Shatabdi and other superfast trains offer the food option only at the time of ticket booking. Therefore, for long-distance routes, it's often best to check if the train includes food in the fare or pre-order through these services.

Alternative Options for Specific Situations

If you find that your specific train route does not offer food, you can contact the Train Superintendent or the Pantry Manager for alternative arrangements. In such cases, the food can often be arranged after your ticket booking if you inadvertently miss the option during initial reservation.

Conclusion

Indian Railways now offers a wide range of food options for your travel needs. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning a special journey, you can ensure a bowel full of comfort by taking advantage of these services. Just remember to check the specific guidelines for your train and route to avoid any last-minute hassles.