IRCTC Crackdown: Beware of Fake E-Catering Apps!
IRCTC launches a strict drive against illegal e-catering platforms to protect passenger food hygiene, data privacy, and financial security.
To ensure IRCTC e-catering safety, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a stringent enforcement drive to identify and curb the operations of unauthorised e-catering websites and mobile applications operating across the Indian Railways network.
Risks to Food Hygiene and Safety
The proliferation of unauthorised e-catering platforms poses serious risks to passenger food safety and hygiene. These platforms often source meals from unlicensed food outlets that may not comply with the prescribed Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. Such outlets may operate in unhygienic conditions, employ untrained food handlers, and deploy delivery personnel who have not undergone mandatory medical examinations, significantly compromising food quality and passenger well-being.
Data Privacy and Financial Fraud Threats
Beyond health concerns, these unauthorised platforms expose passengers to significant risks relating to data privacy, financial security, and consumer protection. Sharing sensitive information through unverified platforms can leave passengers vulnerable to phishing attacks, identity misuse, and financial fraud. Risks include the exposure of:
- Passenger Name Record (PNR) details
- Email addresses and mobile numbers
- Payment credentials
Furthermore, passengers face the risk of orders being cancelled, delayed, or never delivered. Because these platforms lack a formal complaint-handling system or effective grievance-redressal mechanism, affected passengers often find it difficult to recover their money or pursue appropriate legal remedies.
Legal Action and Regulatory Compliance
Recognising the importance of protecting passenger interests, IRCTC has intensified its enforcement measures. The Corporation has moved beyond issuing mere warnings and is now initiating stringent legal action against entities that unlawfully operate e-catering services or misuse the IRCTC brand and identity to conduct unauthorised business.
There are also significant financial and regulatory implications to these illegal operations. While IRCTC contributes GST on its e-catering revenue, unauthorised operators often function outside the prescribed regulatory framework and evade applicable statutory tax obligations. This undermines fair competition and results in substantial losses to the public exchequer.
How to Book Meals Safely
To ensure a safe and high-quality dining experience, passengers are strongly advised to book their meals exclusively through the following official channels:
- The official IRCTC website
- The official Food on Track mobile application
- IRCTC-authorised e-catering aggregators and vendors
An updated list of authorised e-catering partners is available on the official IRCTC e-Catering website and mobile application. The official platform offers a vast variety of food choices, ranging from regional delicacies and traditional Indian meals to popular fast-food options like pizza and burgers. Passengers can even order cakes and special items to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries during their journey. Please note that meal prices are market-driven, with individual restaurant partners curating their own menus and pricing.
Report Illegal Activities
If you encounter unauthorised food vendors or illegal food delivery activities on railway premises or inside trains, you are encouraged to report such incidents immediately to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by calling the helpline number 182.