IRCTC Food Order Alert 2026: Railway Passengers Warned Against 14 Unauthorised Websites, Check Full List

IRCTC Food Delivery Warning 2026: Ordering meals directly to your train seat has become a convenient option for railway passengers, particularly during long-distance journeys. However, choosing the wrong food delivery platform could expose travellers to food safety concerns, payment disputes and potential misuse of personal information.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has reportedly identified 14 unauthorised online food ordering platforms and advised passengers to exercise caution when purchasing meals during train journeys.

According to a report published by Live Hindustan on November 9, 2026, these platforms are not recognised as authorised IRCTC e-catering operators. Passengers using such services may encounter problems involving food quality, delayed deliveries, unsuccessful orders and difficulties obtaining refunds.

Travellers are therefore encouraged to use IRCTC's official e-catering channels or verify whether a third-party provider is authorised before placing an order.

IRCTC Warning: 14 Unauthorised Train Food Delivery Websites

The report identifies the following 14 websites as unauthorised e-catering platforms.

Important: This list is reproduced from the November 9 Live Hindustan report. It should not be treated as an independently verified, exhaustive or permanently current IRCTC blacklist. Being unauthorised does not, by itself, establish that a particular website is fraudulent or serves unsafe food.

Passengers should confirm the latest authorisation status through IRCTC's official channels.

Why Is IRCTC Advising Passengers to Be Careful?

The report highlights several potential concerns associated with ordering meals through platforms operating outside IRCTC's authorised e-catering network.

One major concern involves food quality and hygiene. Meals supplied through unverified providers may not necessarily follow the food safety and operational standards expected from authorised catering partners.

Another concern relates to online payments. Passengers may pay for meals in advance but experience delivery delays, cancellations or difficulties obtaining refunds.

The report also raises concerns about personal information. Food ordering platforms commonly request details such as mobile numbers, train information, PNR numbers and payment-related information. Travellers should therefore be careful about entering sensitive details on unfamiliar websites.

These are potential risks associated with unverified services, not proof that every listed platform has committed such violations.

How to Order Food on a Train Through IRCTC

Passengers who want meals delivered to their seats can use IRCTC's official e-catering service.

The process is straightforward and generally requires a valid train PNR number.

1. Visit the official IRCTC e-catering website at ecatering.irctc.co.in.

2. Enter your 10-digit PNR number to view available food delivery options.

3. Select a participating railway station and available restaurant.

4. Browse the menu and choose the food items you want.

5. Review the order details, delivery station and payment options.

6. Confirm the booking and retain the order information for reference.

Food availability depends on the train route, participating stations, restaurant coverage and operational conditions.

Other Official Ways to Order Meals During Train Travel

Apart from the e-catering website, passengers can explore other recognised booking channels.

Food on Track App: IRCTC's official Food on Track mobile application allows passengers to check meal availability and place orders for eligible train journeys. Travellers should verify the app publisher before installing it.

IRCTC E-Catering Helpline: Passengers can use the reported e-catering helpline number 1323 for assistance with food ordering services.

Authorised Catering Partners: Travellers can also order through third-party platforms that have valid arrangements with IRCTC, subject to service availability.

Using recognised channels can make it easier to obtain booking details and seek support if an order is delayed or cancelled.

IRCTC Authorised Food Delivery Partners: Platforms Mentioned in the Report

The Live Hindustan report also provides a list of food aggregators described as authorised IRCTC partners.

The authorisation and operational availability of individual partners may change. Customers should verify the latest information directly through IRCTC before ordering.

What Happens If Your Food Order Is Not Delivered?

One of the most frustrating experiences during a railway journey is paying for a meal that never reaches your seat.

If an order is delayed or not delivered, passengers should retain their booking confirmation, transaction reference and payment receipt.

Those who booked through an authorised platform should contact the provider's customer support service and request assistance or a refund according to the applicable terms.

For disputed payments, passengers may also contact their bank or payment service provider, depending on the transaction method.

Keeping a record of communications and payment details can help resolve complaints more efficiently.

How to Report Unauthorised Food Vendors on Trains

Passengers who encounter suspicious food delivery operations or unauthorised vendors at railway stations should report the matter through appropriate railway channels.

The source report advises travellers to inform the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and mentions helpline number 182.

Passengers can also use the railway assistance number 139 or the RailMadad platform for relevant complaints and assistance.

When reporting an incident, travellers should provide useful details such as the train number, station, time, vendor information and nature of the complaint.

Safety Tips Before Ordering Food During a Train Journey

Before placing an online meal order, passengers should take a few precautions.

• Check whether the ordering platform is officially authorised.

• Avoid entering payment details on suspicious or unfamiliar websites.

• Confirm the train number, PNR and delivery station before making payment.

• Review the total price, cancellation conditions and refund policy.

• Keep order confirmations and payment receipts until the meal is delivered.

• Never share banking passwords, UPI PINs or OTPs with food delivery representatives.

These simple precautions can help reduce the possibility of payment-related problems and improve the overall ordering experience.

IRCTC Food Delivery Update 2026: What Passengers Should Remember

Online meal delivery has made railway journeys more comfortable, but passengers should not assume that every website advertising train food services is officially associated with IRCTC.

The November 9 report highlights 14 platforms described as unauthorised and encourages passengers to rely on recognised e-catering services.

The safest practical approach is to start with IRCTC's official e-catering website, verify any third-party partner and retain payment records until the order has been completed.

This can help travellers make informed decisions while reducing avoidable problems during their journeys.