Suresh Prabhu Launches Station-based e-catering at 408 Major Stations

NEW DELHI:
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched station-based e-catering at all the 408 major stations in the country, expanding the IRCTC’s popular facility that allows travelling passengers to order food of their choice from leading railway and private caterers to be delivered at the stations.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) had introduced the facility at 45 stations in September last year on a trial basis.  With its inauguration now, the station-based e-catering facility will be expanded to all the category A and A1 stations, numbering 408.
The new facility has been launched in accordance with this year’s Railway Budget announcement. It is also in conformity with the Prime Minister’s ‘Digital India’ vision.
“During the short period since its launch, the new facility has been receiving acceptance from rail travellers. That explains why such a facility is being expanded to all major stations in the country,” said IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Dr. A K Manocha.
To broad-base the culinary choices of travelling passengers, the Railway Ministry has also decided to involve Self Help Groups (SHGs). The empanelled SHGs will be displayed on the IRCTC’s e-Catering websites with their menu and prices. Passenger may choose meal or food items offered by SHGs and place the order. This will help in sustainable development of SHGs.
“India has around one crore SHGs, mostly functioning in rural and semi-urban areas with 10 to 20 members (majority women) per group. We will collaborate with some of them which are into making food items,” Dr. Manocha said. “The ministry’s decision will go a long way in ensuring inclusive growth of local communities.”
There are four ways for booking food at stations. One has to dial 1323 and make payment on Cash on Delivery (COD). Secondly, one can download “Food on Track” app on Android or ios platforms, order food and make payment either in advance or through COD. Thirdly, food can be ordered on IRCTC’s e-catering website —  ecatering.irctc.co.in – make payment in advance or through COD. Lastly, passengers can choose to SMS to 139 by giving details of their PNR and seat number.
Meal orders can be made from the time of ticket booking up to two hours prior to the arrival of a train at station. The minimum order for food is Rs 60. IRCTC provides discount of 10 per cent for order above Rs 300 on payment in advance.
IRCTC has already collaborated with major food suppliers and aggregators like Bikanerwala, Nirulas, Sagar Ratna, Sarvana Bhavan, Haldiram, Street Foods, KFC, McDonald, Domino’s and Pizza Hut. Besides e-catering, IRCTC makes available meals supplied by its own Jan Ahaars (budget food), Food Plazas and Fast Food Units.