Passengers welcome IRCTC’s e-Pantry meal booking service
In a significant boost to the ‘Digital India’ mission, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has witnessed an overwhelming response to its newly launched e-Pantry meal booking service. The digital initiative, designed to streamline catering on Mail and Express trains, has already crossed a milestone of 65,000 meal bookings since its phased rollout in April last year.
The service, which allows passengers to pre-book meals on trains where catering charges are not included in the ticket fare, was initially piloted on the Vivek Express — India’s longest-running train service. Following its success, the facility has now been extended to 25 major Mail and Express trains. According to data released by the IRCTC, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Railways, the service saw its peak performance in December 2025, recording over 16,500 orders in a single month.
The YPR Sampark Kranti Express emerged as a frontrunner, accounting for approximately 8,300 of those orders. The breakdown of the 65,000 orders reflects a balanced demand across all meal types, with breakfast and dinner each registering over 17,000 orders, while lunch services accounted for more than 15,000 orders. Additionally, the service saw a significant uptake in tea services, with morning and evening tea combined recording more than 16,000 orders during this period. The e-Pantry system is integrated directly into the IRCTC ticketing platform.
Passengers holding confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets can opt for meals during the booking process or later via the “Booked Food History” section. To ensure security and transparency, the system employs a Meal Verification Code (MVC). Upon booking, passengers receive this code via SMS or email, which must be shared with the pantry staff at the time of delivery to their seats. “By leveraging technology, we are redefining the travel experience. The e-Pantry system ensures greater accountability, transparency, and compliance with tax regulations through digital dashboards,” an IRCTC official stated.
The facility promotes a cashless environment by requiring online payments at the time of booking. Furthermore, the IRCTC has assured passengers of a full refund if a pre-booked meal is not delivered, with cancellation details communicated instantly via digital channels. As the hospitality arm of the Indian Railways, the IRCTC continues to expand this service to more routes, aiming to eliminate the uncertainties of on-board meal availability and overcharging.
