5 Challenges Travelers Face While they Order Food on Train

In India, Railway journey is not just a regular travel affair. Railway travel is an experience of its own. Strangers become friends, while friends become family during the journey. From idiotic to intellectual, no topic is off discussion. Anything could be discussed, potentially for hours.

The travel experience has been upgraded with technological aid. The ability to order food on train has been significantly simplified with the arrival of major delivery platforms as well as the Railways itself entering the arena. 

However, there are still many issues that challenge a commuter  when they try to order food on train.. This article tries to dive into these issues and comes up with appropriate remedies, wherever possible.

Challenges

1. Uncertain time of Delivery

Unlike normal delivery, food on trains is delivered at a certain station. The arrival timing of trains is subject to many delays. And, so is the delivery time of food. 

With delays in trains, food delivery is delayed as well. In such conditions, a traveller may feel confused about the timing of delivery as there isn’t much certainty.

One can use tools like Live Train Status to track the movement of the train. All the delays, On-time arrival or Early arrivals are updated on the Live Train Status in real time. Thus allowing passengers to select the most suitable delivery station when they order food on train.

Live Train Status could be accessed through Indian Railways website or through trusted partners like RailMitra.

2. Limited Food options

Although IRCTC provides e-catering services as well, there is one issue. There are very limited options to choose from. True foodies like to explore and try new dishes. IRCTC’s limited menu might feel underwhelming to them.

Instead of relying solely on IRCTC, you can order food on train through other delivery partners like Swiggy, Zomato and RailRecipe. There are other dedicated platforms like RailMitra. It has partnered with major Food on Train App, RailRestro. With this collaboration, RailRestro provides you a wide range of variety to choose from.Choosing the right food on train app, increases your food choices as well as the satisfaction level. 

3. Unreliable Internet connection

Indian Railway covers the length and breadth of the Country. Not all the routes would have good internet connectivity. Many times you would face a poor network. 

A weak signal can make it difficult to browse menus or place an order. This is a common issue for passengers trying to order food on train.

You can use IRCTC’s helpline number 139 to Order food. You can call on this number or can alternatively book your meal via SMS too. All you have to do is type MEAL <PNR> and send it to 139.

You can also order through RailMitra’s helpline number 8102888222. You can use this number to order food at your seat for Zero Delivery charges.  You can order any time between 7AM to 10PM.

4. Hefty Delivery charges

One of the biggest problems people face while trying to order food on Train is Hefty Delivery charges. Although the convenience of Online food delivery has made access to food easy, the high additional charges such as Delivery Charges and Platform fees are still a strong deterrent. More so for Budget-conscious travellers.

This becomes significant for people travelling solo or those opting for a small portion of meal. More often the additional charges become equivalent to the food ordered.

Many platforms have special coupons and offers. Platforms like RailMitra have started rolling out Food Delivery at Zero Delivery costs. You can use this platform to pay only for what you order. As simple as that.

RailMitra also provides a special offer where your first meal is delivered for free. It is supplemented by other offers providing discounts for Bulk orders as well as to people opting for Pre Paid option.

Conclusion

Food on train app have tremendously enhanced the travel experience on trains. Still certain problems like Untimely Delivery, Limited food options, No special emphasis for people with special diets, etc are still potential headaches for the passengers.

Many new platforms like RailMitra and RailRestro are providing unique solutions to these issues..Through their logistical and technological innovation, they keep solving these issues, one after another. RailMitra caters the Solutions like:

• Live Train Status,

• Enhanced list of restaurants 

• special emphasis to travellers like Jain Food in train, are testament to that.

So, the next time you are facing any problem related to food on train, do remember to check this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to order food on train at the right time?

Ans. You can use the Live Train Status feature to track the train and order at the station that suits best to your timings. Many platforms like RailMitra have inbuilt Live Train Status look up while ordering food, so you don't have to check it separately.

Q. Does the railway provide Jain food?

Ans. IRCTC does not provide Jain Foods, but you can order with trusted platforms like RailMitra. They have a special section dedicated to Jain Foods, which delivers freshly prepared Shuddha Jain Food without any Delivery charges at your seat.

Q. Can  I order food on train without any internet connection?

Ans. Yes, you can use IRCTC’s toll free number 139 to order food. Alternatively you could also use RailMitra’s 8102888222 helpline number to book freshly prepared meals delivered at your seat.

Q. Can I order food for someone on train?

Ans. Yes, you just have to know their PNR. You can order food delivered to their seat using PNR. Alternatively you could also order via Train Number or Name and the Boarding Date.

Q. Are there any Coupons, Offers or Discounts while ordering food on train?

Ans. At RailMitra we give you your first food order for FREE, with Zero Delivery Charges for subsequent food delivery. We also have customization and heavy discounts for Bulk Orders.For information about other offers please visit our platform.