How to Get Food Delivered in a Train in India: Train journeys in India are known for their scenic beauty and long hours on the track. But, what if you could make your travel experience even better by having fresh, hot food delivered right to your seat? With advancements in food delivery services for trains, passengers no longer need to rely on station snacks or the sometimes bland onboard meals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get food delivered while traveling by train in India.
Methods to Order Food on a Train:
Onboard Catering Service:
Indian Railways and many private trains offer onboard catering services to passengers. These services typically feature pre-packaged meals or hot meals that the train attendants serve during the journey. While this method is widely available on many trains, the menu and meal quality can vary from one train to another. Some trains have a fixed menu for meals like biryani, rice, curry, and snacks, while others may offer a la carte meals.
Though convenient, onboard catering doesn’t always offer the best variety or customization. If you’re on a long journey, and the train’s catering service doesn’t meet your preferences, consider other options for a better dining experience.
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Food Delivery Apps:
Food delivery apps designed specifically for train travel have made ordering meals much easier. Popular platforms like RailRestro, Train Food, and IRCTC e-Catering allow passengers to order food to be delivered to their train at specific stations. These apps work by integrating with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to offer a seamless experience.
Here’s how it works:
- You enter your train number and journey details.
- The app then shows available food vendors at the stations along your route.
- You choose from a variety of meal options, such as North Indian thalis, South Indian delicacies, snacks, and even international dishes.
- Once the order is placed and confirmed, the food is delivered directly to your seat at the designated station, making it a hassle-free dining option.
Food delivery apps are especially handy if you have dietary preferences or specific meal needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
Train Station Kiosks:
At major train stations like New Delhi, Mumbai CST, and Chennai Central, food kiosks and local restaurants offer delivery services to the trains arriving at or passing through the station. These food outlets typically have agreements with delivery companies to bring food directly to your train at the platform. You can call or place your order through their service line or app, then specify the platform and train details.
For those traveling through well-connected stations, this method is convenient, and it also gives you a chance to explore regional specialties from different parts of India. However, it’s best suited for short stops rather than long journeys.
Using Online Platforms and Apps
Using online food delivery apps for train journeys in India is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ordering:
- Download the App: Start by downloading popular food delivery apps such as RailRestro, Train Food, or IRCTC e-Catering on your smartphone.
- Enter Train Details: Once installed, open the app and enter your train details, such as the train number, journey date, and current station.
- Select Your Meal: Browse through the menu options available for delivery. These include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages. Many apps have cuisine-specific options like biryanis, regional thalis, sandwiches, pizzas, and more.
- Confirm Delivery Location: Ensure that you enter the correct station and platform details so that the food can be delivered to your train at the appropriate stop.
- Payment and Confirmation: After selecting your food, proceed to payment. Most apps offer online payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or digital wallets. After payment, you’ll receive an order confirmation with the estimated delivery time.
- Track the Delivery: Many apps provide live tracking, allowing you to know when your meal will arrive. You can monitor your order in real-time, ensuring that it reaches your seat at the correct station.
Food delivery apps offer a range of meal options and give you control over your dining experience while traveling.
Food Delivery at Major Train Stations
Food delivery services are especially active at major Indian train stations, where passenger footfall is high. Stations such as New Delhi, Mumbai CST, Chennai Central, Howrah, Bangalore City, and Hyderabad Deccan are known for their diverse food offerings and efficient delivery systems. These stations often partner with food service providers to offer meals that can be delivered to trains at scheduled stops.
For example, if you’re traveling from New Delhi to Chennai on a long train journey, you can order food from local eateries that specialize in regional dishes such as parathas, chole bhature, idlis, and more. During your stop at stations like Nagpur or Bhopal, food vendors at those stations will deliver your food directly to your train.
If you’re on a shorter trip, food delivery at stations allows you to enjoy regional cuisines that may not be available on the train, enriching your travel experience.
Food Choices Available
One of the major benefits of food delivery on trains is the wide range of food choices available. Depending on the delivery app, station, and route, you can choose from:
- Traditional Indian Meals: These include thalis, biryanis, curries, and breads. Whether you crave the rich flavors of North Indian cuisine or the spicy dishes from the South, there’s something for everyone.
- Snacks and Fast Food: Quick bites like sandwiches, burgers, rolls, and fries are also available for those who prefer lighter meals or a snack between meals.
- Regional Specialties: When traveling through different parts of India, take the opportunity to order local dishes. For example, you can try dosa in the south, vada pav in Maharashtra, or petha from Agra.
- International Cuisines: Many food delivery services offer international meal options, such as pizzas, pasta, or Chinese dishes, especially for long journeys.
If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, food delivery apps often allow you to customize your order to meet your needs.
Delivery Time and Tracking
After placing your order, the delivery time is usually based on the distance to your station and the efficiency of the vendor. On average, food will be delivered to your seat within 30-45 minutes from the time of the scheduled stop. Some apps provide an estimated delivery window, while others offer live tracking to help you monitor the status of your order.
For instance, RailRestro provides notifications for each step of the process, including when your food is being prepared, and dispatched, and when it is expected to arrive at your train.
How to Order Food in Train In India: A Complete Guide
Tips for a Smooth Delivery Experience
To ensure that your food delivery goes smoothly, here are some helpful tips:
- Verify Train and Station Details: Double-check your train number, journey details, and station/platform details when placing your order. This will prevent any confusion during delivery.
- Pre-order for Long Journeys: For longer trips, it’s a good idea to pre-order meals in advance to avoid the rush. You can also ensure you get your preferred dishes this way.
- Track Your Order: Use the app’s tracking feature to keep an eye on when your meal will arrive. This will help you plan your meal and enjoy it hot.
- Have Cash Ready: If you’ve chosen the cash-on-delivery option, ensure you have the right amount of cash on hand when the food arrives.
Cost and Payment
The cost of food delivery varies based on the type of meal, train route, and the vendor. Expect to pay between ₹100 to ₹500 for a standard meal. Special meals or premium options may cost a bit more.
Most delivery platforms accept multiple payment methods, including:
- Online Payment: Debit and credit cards, net banking, and digital wallets like Paytm and Google Pay.
- Cash on Delivery: If you prefer paying in cash, some services offer a cash-on-delivery option, though this may not be available on all routes.
Make sure to check the total cost, including delivery charges, before confirming your order.
Advantages of Ordering Food in Train
Ordering food while traveling by train has several advantages:
- Convenience: No more rushing to find food at stations or relying on limited onboard options. With food delivery apps, you get the convenience of having meals delivered directly to your seat.
- Variety: With so many options to choose from, you can enjoy a wide variety of foods, from home-style meals to snacks and desserts.
- Time-Saving: Food delivery saves you time that you would otherwise spend searching for a restaurant or waiting in long station queues.
Conclusion
With food delivery services now available on most trains in India, you can say goodbye to the hassles of meal planning during your journey. Whether you’re traveling short distances or embarking on a long journey, you can enjoy a wide range of meals delivered right to your seat, making your train journey more comfortable and enjoyable. So next time you’re heading out on a train, don’t forget to order your favorite meal and enjoy the ride!
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