IRCTC has launched the E-Pantry service on 25 mail and express trains. Passengers can pre-book food and water online at the time of ticket booking or later. Pantry staff will deliver to the seat. Cashless payments, MVC codes, and refunds for unsold meals are also available.
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IRCTC New Service: Passengers travelling on selected mail and express trains will now be able to book their meals before boarding the train. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched its new E-Pantry service. It is currently available on 25 trains across the country and has been launched with the aim of simplifying food arrangements for long-distance passengers.
This service was first tested on the Vivek Express, after which it was rolled out to other trains. According to IRCTC, this feature is specifically for trains that do not include meals in the ticket fare. This allows passengers to book meals in advance instead of relying on vendors or pantry staff along the way.
What does the E-Pantry service offer?
This service is a digital food ordering platform integrated into IRCTC’s existing ticket booking system. Passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets can book food and packaged drinking water in advance.
This meal will be delivered to their seat by pantry car staff during the journey. IRCTC states that this system is designed to make meal service more accurate and reliable during long journeys, especially on trains that only have pantry car facilities.
Key Features
Meal ordering online from the “Booked Ticket History” at the time of ticket booking or later
Cashless payment through digital means
Meal Verification Code (MVC) via SMS or email for delivery confirmation
Digital tracking of orders
Refund facility in case of non-delivery of food
How do passengers book meals?
The E-Pantry option will appear when booking tickets on the IRCTC website or app. If passengers don’t order at that time, they can book meals later by going to the “Booked Ticket History” section. After booking meals, passengers will receive a confirmation message and an MVC code. This code must be shown to the vendor upon delivery. On the day of travel, the pantry staff will deliver the meals to the seats listed on the ticket.
