Ordering food during train journeys? IRCTC warns against unauthorized apps
What's the story
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a warning to passengers about the dangers of ordering food during train journeys through unauthorized websites and mobile applications. The warning comes amid concerns over food safety issues, financial fraud, and data theft. IRCTC has also stepped up its crackdown on unauthorized e-catering platforms, urging passengers to use only its official e-Catering website, the Food on Track app, or authorized partners for meal orders.
Safety concerns
Threat to passenger safety
IRCTC has flagged the growing number of unauthorized e-catering platforms as a major threat to passenger food safety, hygiene, and overall well-being.
These platforms often source meals from unlicensed food outlets that may not meet the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.
The IRCTC statement said these outlets could operate in unhygienic conditions or employ untrained food handlers, compromising both food quality and passenger safety.
Data risks
Risk of financial fraud
IRCTC has also warned that unauthorized platforms could compromise passengers' personal data and financial security.
The statement added that sharing sensitive information like Passenger Name Record (PNR) details, email addresses, mobile numbers, and payment credentials through unverified platforms could expose passengers to phishing attacks or identity misuse.
There is also a risk of financial fraud with these unauthorized services.
Authorized services
IRCTC's warning list
IRCTC has also warned against using certain unauthorized e-catering operators, including Railrestro.com, Railrestro.in, Railmitra.com, Travelkhana.com, and Trainscafe.com.
The list also includes Dibrail.com, Railfood.net, Travelerfood.com, and Foodontrack.in among others.
Passengers are advised to order food only through IRCTC's official e-Catering website, the Food on Track app, or authorized partners for their safety and security during train journeys.
Trusted partners
Authorized food aggregators for train journeys
IRCTC has a number of authorized food aggregators for train journeys, including Zomato, Zoop, Rail Yatri, Swiggy, and Rail Recipe.
Others on the list are Yatribhojan, Yatrirestro, Garg Rajdhani, and Homebytes among others.
Passengers can order meals through these platforms by visiting the official website, the Food on Track app, or downloading the Food on Track app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.