IRCTC launches e-pantry service for mail, express train passengers

To enhance passenger convenience and promote rail-based domestic and inbound tourism, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) has launched the e-pantry service for mail and express trains.

According to officials, the meal booking facility is available on trains where meals are not included in the ticket fare, allowing passengers to travel hassle-free by pre-booking their meals in advance.

The service was initially piloted on the Vivek Express (Train Nos 22503/04), India’s longest-distance train. Following its successful trial, the service is currently being provided on 25 mail and express trains. Integrated into the IRCTC ticket booking platform (www.irctc.co.in), this facility allows passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets to pre-order standard meals and Rail Neer drinking water, delivered directly to their seats by pantry car staff.

The service, which is fully digital, allows passengers to pre-book meals at the time of ticket reservation through the IRCTC website or later via the “Booked Ticket History” section. Once a meal is booked, passengers receive a confirmation along with a unique meal verification code (MVC) through SMS or email.

On the day of travel, the pre-ordered meal is delivered directly to the passenger’s seat. The delivery is authenticated through the MVC, which passengers share with the authorised vendor to ensure that the meal reaches the correct customer.

Payments are processed online using digital modes, removing the need for cash transactions during the journey. All orders are monitored through digital dashboards, enhancing transparency, traceability and compliance with tax regulations.

To safeguard passenger interests, the system also includes a refund mechanism. In cases where a booked meal is not delivered as promised, passengers are eligible for a refund, with cancellation and refund updates communicated through email, SMS, or WhatsApp.