IRCTC Launches E-Pantry Service on 25 Mail and Express Trains: Online Meal Booking Facility Introduced

 

IRCTC Launches E-Pantry Service on 25 Mail and Express Trains: Online Meal Booking Facility Introduced
IRCTC Launches E-Pantry

  • Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) has launched a new digital initiative named E-Pantry Service to improve catering convenience for passengers travelling on Mail and Express trains.

  • The service allows passengers to pre-book meals online for trains where food is not included in the ticket fare, reducing dependency on last-minute onboard arrangements.

  • The announcement was made on February 9, 2026, from New Delhi, as part of IRCTC’s continued efforts to modernize railway catering services.

About IRCTC

  • IRCTC is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

  • It functions as the hospitality and tourism arm of Indian Railways, managing catering, tourism packages, and online ticketing.

  • The organization focuses on:

    • Enhancing passenger comfort

    • Promoting rail-based domestic and inbound tourism

    • Implementing digital solutions for transparency and efficiency

What Is the E-Pantry Service?

  • E-Pantry is a digitally enabled meal booking facility for passengers travelling on selected Mail and Express trains.

  • The service is applicable on trains:

    • Where meals are not bundled with ticket fare

    • That have pantry car facilities

  • Passengers can now book meals in advance, ensuring availability during their journey.

  • Meals are prepared by authorized pantry vendors and delivered directly to the passenger’s seat.

Integration with IRCTC Online Platform

  • The E-Pantry service is fully integrated with the official IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in.

  • Eligible passengers include those holding:

    • Confirmed tickets

    • RAC tickets

    • Partially confirmed tickets

  • Meal booking options are available:

    • During the ticket booking process

    • After booking through the “Booked Ticket History” section

  • This integration ensures a single-window experience for travel and catering needs.

Step-by-Step E-Pantry Service Process

  • Step 1: Booking

    • Passengers select the E-Pantry meal option while booking tickets or after booking.

    • Standard meals and Rail Neer water can be pre-ordered online.

  • Step 2: Confirmation

    • After successful booking, passengers receive:

      • Booking confirmation

      • A unique Meal Verification Code (MVC)

    • MVC is shared via SMS or email.

  • Step 3: Meal Delivery

    • On the day of travel, passengers share the MVC with:

      • Pantry staff or authorized vendor

    • Meal is delivered directly to the passenger’s seat.

Key Features of the E-Pantry Service

  • Digital Meal Booking

    • Passengers can pre-book meals before travel.

    • Ensures meal availability on long-distance journeys.

  • Cashless Payment System

    • Payments are made online using digital payment modes.

    • Eliminates the need for cash transactions onboard trains.

  • Meal Verification Code (MVC)

    • Ensures meals are delivered to the correct passenger.

    • Improves accountability and prevents unauthorized delivery.

  • Transparency and Trackability

    • Orders are managed through digital dashboards.

    • Helps ensure compliance with operational and tax regulations.

  • Refund in Case of Non-Delivery

    • Passengers are eligible for refunds if meals are not delivered.

    • Refund status and details are communicated via:

      • SMS

      • Email

      • WhatsApp

Pilot Run and Expansion

  • The E-Pantry service was initially piloted on Vivek Express (Train Nos. 22503/22504).

  • Vivek Express is known as India’s longest-distance train, making it ideal for testing the service.

  • Following successful implementation, IRCTC expanded the service to 25 Mail and Express trains.

List of Trains Covered Under E-Pantry Service

  • Vivek Express

  • ASR–Kochuveli Express

  • Swatantra Senani Express

  • Swarnajayanti Express

  • Chhattisgarh Express

  • Secunderabad–Danapur Express

  • TATA–SMVB Express

  • Ajmer–Sealdah Superfast Express

  • Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express

  • Mangladweep Express

  • Kalinga Utkal Express

  • Goa Vasco Express

  • Pushpak Express

  • Paschim Express

  • LTT–Jaynagar Express

  • Netravati Express

  • Grand Trunk Express

  • Pune–Nizamuddin Darshan Express

  • Visakhapatnam–New Delhi AP Express

  • Poorva Express

  • Lichchivi Express

  • Azad Hind Express

  • Malwa Express

  • Ahmedabad–Barauni Express

  • Purushottam Express

  • IRCTC has indicated that more trains may be added in the future based on feedback and feasibility.

Benefits for Passengers

  • Reduces uncertainty about food availability during travel.

  • Improves hygiene and meal planning on long journeys.

  • Saves time and avoids last-minute onboard purchases.

  • Enhances passenger confidence through verified delivery.

  • Supports a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

Conclusion

  • The launch of the E-Pantry service reflects IRCTC’s commitment to digitization, passenger convenience, and service transparency.

  • By allowing passengers to book meals in advance, the initiative addresses a long-standing concern for travelers on Mail and Express trains.

  • With features like online booking, cashless payments, MVC-based verification, and refund assurance, E-Pantry is expected to significantly enhance the overall rail travel experience.

  • IRCTC reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improving services across the Indian Railway network, ensuring that passenger needs remain at the center of its initiatives.

DJ Dinez

Posted by DJ Dinez