IRCTC Crackdown: Beware of Fake E-Catering Sites!
IRCTC launches an enforcement drive against unauthorized e-catering sites to protect passengers from food safety risks and financial fraud.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a major enforcement drive to stop unauthorized e-catering websites and mobile applications from operating across the Indian Railways network. This strict move is aimed at protecting passengers from the numerous risks associated with unverified food delivery services.
The corporation has specifically identified platforms such as RAILRESTRO.COM and RAILRESTRO.IN as unauthorized operators and is currently pursuing legal action against these non-compliant entities.
Major Risks for Railway Passengers
Using unofficial e-catering platforms can lead to serious complications for travelers. IRCTC has highlighted several critical areas of concern:
- Food Safety Hazards: Unauthorized platforms often source meals from unlicensed kitchens that fail to meet the mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, posing a direct threat to passenger health.
- Data and Financial Security: When passengers share sensitive information—including PNR details, contact numbers, and payment credentials—with unverified websites, they become prime targets for phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud.
- Unreliable Service: Travelers using these services frequently face issues such as sudden order cancellations, significant delivery delays, and a total lack of formal mechanisms to resolve grievances.
How to Order Food Safely
To ensure that your meals are hygienic and your personal data remains secure, IRCTC strongly advises passengers to avoid third-party websites and book their meals exclusively through official channels:
- The official IRCTC e-Catering website.
- The official 'Food on Track' mobile application.
Report Illegal Food Delivery Activities
Passenger safety is a top priority. If you encounter any unauthorized vendors or witness illegal food delivery activities during your train journey, you are encouraged to report them immediately. You can contact the Railway Protection Force (RPF) via the dedicated helpline number 182.