Not Only Premium, IRCTC To Soon Offer E-Pantry Option On Mail, Express Trains

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Last Updated:June 01, 2025, 22:08 IST

E-pantry is currently being piloted on Vivek Express and, based on its success, the service will be extended to more trains across the railways network

Passengers on long train journeys often face overcharging and unhygienic meals, but that may soon be a thing of the past. Those travelling on mail and express trains will be able to book a meal at the time of buying the ticket – the same as premium trains.

The e-Pantry service by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is being piloted on Vivek Express (22503/04) – India’s longest distance covering train. Based on its success, the service will be extended to more trains across the railways network, said an official statement.

The service allows passengers on mail and express trains to digitally pre-book standardised meals without hassle, helping address long-standing complaints about overcharging and unauthorised vendors.

“To address these challenges, IRCTC, in consultation with the railways, has launched the e-Pantry service – an innovative, digitally enabled solution for pre-booked meal supply on mail, express trains running with pantry cars," said a statement from the IRCTC on Sunday.

The Indian Railways already offers a well-established system for opting for meals on premium trains that can be selected during booking tickets online. There was, however, a demand for a similar system for mail and express trains.

According to sources, in the initial phase of launch, the service could cover about 20 to 25 trains in the next couple of months.

E-pantry is an online meal booking system integrated into the IRCTC ticketing system. (Image: IRCTC)

HOW TO USE THE SERVICE

E-pantry is an online meal booking system integrated into the IRCTC ticketing system. It allows passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets to pre-order “hygienic, standard meals and Rail Neer" that will be supplied by pantry car staff to their seats.

The service ensures that passengers enjoy a more organised, safe, and digital catering experience, bringing “peace of mind, hygienic meals, and a better overall travel experience", the statement said.

For booking on the service, passengers can select the e-Pantry meal option during the ticketing process on the IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in), either from the confirmation page or the ‘Booked Ticket History’ section.

After booking, passengers receive a confirmation message and a meal verification code (MVC) via SMS or email. On the day of travel, passengers share the MVC with the vendor, who will then directly deliver the pre-ordered meal to their seat.

Listing the benefits of the scheme, the IRCTC said it offers online and digital payment options, eliminating the need for cash transactions during travel. Also, meal prices are fixed and clearly displayed at the time of booking, preventing overcharging by vendors.

The option will also control unauthorised vending as only IRCTC-authorised licensees are permitted to deliver pre-booked meals, ensuring quality-assured meals and safety onboard.

Additionally, all meal orders are managed through digital dashboards, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and compliance with tax regulations. If a meal is not delivered as booked, passengers are entitled to a refund. Cancellation and refund details will be communicated through email, SMS, or WhatsApp.

Nivedita Singh

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...Read More

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