IRCTC eCatering
IRCTC eCatering is the official Indian Railways food-on-train delivery marketplace, connecting train passengers with FSSAI-certified restaurants across 300+ stations for seat-delivered meal ordering via app, web, WhatsApp, and phone.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What IRCTC eCatering does
IRCTC eCatering is the official food-on-train delivery marketplace operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), a Government of India public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways and listed on NSE/BSE under the ticker IRCTC. Headquartered in New Delhi with 208 employees dedicated to the eCatering operation, the service enables Indian Railways passengers to order meals from FSSAI-certified restaurants and have them delivered directly to their seats during station halts. As of the available data, the platform operates across 300+ railway stations with 2,000+ restaurant options, has facilitated 3 crore (30 million+) cumulative meals, and reports 1 crore (10 million+) installs on Google Play.
The underlying technology is a PNR-based ordering platform that ingests Indian Railways reservation data to automatically surface passenger journey details, train route, and station halt information, then matches those parameters against available restaurant partners along the journey. Ordering is delivered across four channels: the Food on Track mobile app (iOS and Android), the ecatering.irctc.co.in website, a WhatsApp business line (+91-8750001323), and a toll-free phone line (1323). The platform integrates with major third-party food aggregators — notably Zomato, Swiggy, RailYatri, Zoop, and Relfood — as well as branded restaurant chains such as Domino's Pizza and multiple Rebel Foods brands (Ovenstory, Faasos, Lunchbox, Behrouz Biryani), creating a unified discovery and ordering layer over fragmented last-mile delivery infrastructure at stations.
The business model is marketplace commission: IRCTC eCatering earns a commission from restaurant partners and food aggregators on each order routed through the platform, with pricing and minimum order values set by individual partners. There is no platform-level subscription or fee. The customer base splits between individual train passengers (primary segment) using self-serve channels, and group travelers of 15 or more (secondary segment) — including corporate, wedding, religious pilgrimage, and student groups — who access a callback-assisted bulk ordering service with customized menus and pricing. As an operational division of a government PSU, eCatering's revenue is not separately disclosed from the parent entity.
IRCTC eCatering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IRCTC eCatering
- Legal name
- Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd
- Website
- https://ecatering.irctc.co.in
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- IRCTC eCatering is the official Indian Railways food-on-train delivery marketplace, connecting train passengers with FSSAI-certified restaurants across 300+ stations for seat-delivered meal ordering via app, web, WhatsApp, and phone.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IRCTC eCatering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Railway Catering Marketplace
- akta.pro primary industry
- Station Retail, Food & Concessions (THAIALAK)
Keywords
Where IRCTC eCatering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Delhi
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
IRCTC eCatering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Commission from Restaurant Partners: IRCTC eCatering operates as a marketplace platform connecting train passengers with FSSAI-certified restaurants. The platform earns commission from partner restaurants and food aggregators for each order placed through the platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Restaurant-specific pricing with variable minimum orders |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
IRCTC eCatering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IRCTC eCatering is an online marketplace platform that enables Indian Railways train passengers to order meals from FSSAI-certified restaurant partners and food aggregators for delivery directly to their train seats at 300+ railway stations across India. The platform aggregates 2,000+ restaurants and food outlets, accepting orders via website, mobile app, WhatsApp, and toll-free phone, with operations including a specialized group ordering service for parties of 15 or more passengers.
Product overview
IRCTC eCatering is a digital food delivery platform operated by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) that enables passengers to order food from restaurants directly to their train seats. The platform operates through a multi-channel portfolio comprising the Food on Track mobile app (available on iOS and Android), the IRCTC eCatering website (ecatering.irctc.co.in), WhatsApp ordering service, and a toll-free phone line (1323). The core platform connects passengers with partner restaurants and food aggregators at 300+ railway stations across India. Additional services include the Group Food Service for bulk orders of 15+ passengers with customized menus and pricing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Food on Track Mobile App Official mobile application (iOS and Android) that lets train passengers enter their PNR number, browse available restaurants and food options along the journey route, and place orders for seat delivery at upcoming stations. Designed for self-serve use by individual train passengers traveling on Indian Railways.
- IRCTC eCatering Website Official web platform (ecatering.irctc.co.in) that enables train passengers to search restaurants by station, browse menus, and place food orders for seat delivery using any browser. Mirrors mobile app functionality for users without smartphones.
- Group Food Service Specialized bulk ordering service for groups of 15 or more passengers, offering customized menus, dedicated support, and bespoke pricing for corporate groups, wedding parties, religious yatras, armed forces, tour groups, and student parties traveling together by train.
- WhatsApp Ordering Service WhatsApp-based food ordering service operating on business number +91-8750001323, enabling passengers to place orders through messaging for added convenience beyond the app and web.
- Toll-free Phone Ordering (1323) Toll-free phone ordering service at 1323 allowing passengers to order food via telephone during train journeys, serving users who prefer voice-based or non-smartphone ordering.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30 million+ meals delivered
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use IRCTC eCatering
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
IRCTC eCatering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
IRCTC eCatering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Domino's PizzacoreMajor international pizza chain partner offering pizza delivery on trains. One of the flagship restaurant brands on the platform, providing standardized quality and brand recognition.
- ZomatocoreLeading food delivery aggregator partnership bringing extensive restaurant network and delivery infrastructure to the platform.
- SwiggycoreMajor food delivery aggregator partner expanding restaurant options and delivery capabilities on the platform.
- OvenstoryminorSpecialty pizza chain partner known for standout pizza offerings available at select stations.
- FaasosminorRebel Foods brand offering wraps, rolls, and rice bowls available at select railway stations.
- LunchboxminorRebel Foods brand offering lunch boxes, thalis, and meal combos available at select stations.
- Behrouz BiryaniminorPremium biryani brand from Rebel Foods offering royal biryani options at select stations.
- RailYatricoreTravel tech platform aggregator providing additional restaurant options and delivery services through the IRCTC eCatering platform.
- ZoopcoreFood aggregator partner offering wide variety of restaurants and cuisines across multiple stations with consistent delivery service.
- RelfoodcoreFood delivery aggregator with presence at multiple railway stations providing diverse restaurant options.
- Garg RajdhaniminorSpecialty North Indian and Rajasthani food chain partner available at select stations.
- YatribhojanminorAggregator partner offering traditional Indian meals and regional cuisines at railway stations.
- Rail RecipeminorFood aggregator providing North Indian, Chinese, and regional cuisine options at stations.
- OLF (Online Food Lounge)minorFood aggregator partner with presence at multiple railway stations offering diverse cuisine options.
- Rajbhog KhanaminorTraditional Indian restaurant partner offering South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese cuisine at select stations.
- GofoodieonlineminorFood aggregator partner providing restaurant options at select railway stations.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
IRCTC eCatering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Zoop: Zoop is a direct competitor in food delivery at Indian railway stations, aggregating restaurants and delivering to passengers' seats. It offers very similar service to IRCTC eCatering and is listed as a partner/competitor on the platform.
- Online Food Lounge (OLF): OLF is a food aggregator partner operating at multiple Indian railway stations with a diverse cuisine portfolio. It is a direct peer serving the same rail-food delivery use case as IRCTC eCatering.
- Yatribhojan: Yatribhojan is a niche food aggregator focused on traditional Indian meals and regional cuisines at railway stations. It directly competes with IRCTC eCatering in the rail-station food delivery category.
- Gofoodieonline: Gofoodieonline is a food aggregator providing restaurant options at select Indian railway stations. It competes directly with IRCTC eCatering in the rail-station food delivery category.
- Relfood: Relfood is a railway-station food delivery aggregator with presence at multiple stations, providing diverse restaurant options. It is a directly comparable competitor serving the same passenger segment.
- Rail Recipe: Rail Recipe is a food delivery aggregator specifically serving Indian railway stations with North Indian, Chinese, and regional cuisine options. It competes head-to-head with IRCTC eCatering for the same rail passenger audience.
Emerging players
- Trainman: Trainman is an Indian train travel booking and information platform with related ancillary services. While not rail-food specialized, it is comparable as a digital platform serving the same rail passenger customer base.
- RailYatri: RailYatri is a broader Indian train-travel platform offering bus, train, and food services. It overlaps with IRCTC eCatering on its food-on-train feature while extending into adjacent travel services.
Broad incumbents
- Zomato: Zomato is one of India's largest food delivery aggregators and an active partner of IRCTC eCatering. While not rail-specialized, it overlaps on the food delivery layer and represents a broader competitive threat.
- Swiggy: Swiggy is India's leading food delivery aggregator and an IRCTC eCatering partner. Its broad restaurant network and direct-to-consumer rail food initiatives make it both a critical partner and a broad incumbent competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IRCTC eCatering social profiles
Digital presenceIRCTC eCatering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IRCTC eCatering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
IRCTC eCatering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IRCTC eCatering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IRCTC eCatering
What does IRCTC eCatering do?
IRCTC eCatering is an online marketplace platform that enables Indian Railways train passengers to order meals from FSSAI-certified restaurant partners and food aggregators for delivery directly to their train seats at 300+ railway stations across India. The platform aggregates 2,000+ restaurants and food outlets, accepting orders via website, mobile app, WhatsApp, and toll-free phone, with operations including a specialized group ordering service for parties of 15 or more passengers.
Is IRCTC eCatering a public or private company?
IRCTC eCatering is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was IRCTC eCatering founded?
IRCTC eCatering was founded in 1999. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is IRCTC eCatering based?
IRCTC eCatering is headquartered in New Delhi, India, in the Asia region.
How does IRCTC eCatering make money?
One revenue line is on record: commission from Restaurant Partners.
Who are IRCTC eCatering's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Zoop, Online Food Lounge (OLF), Yatribhojan, Gofoodieonline, Relfood and Rail Recipe. Emerging players are Trainman and RailYatri. Broad incumbents are Zomato and Swiggy.
Does IRCTC eCatering have an API?
No public API is recorded for IRCTC eCatering.
What industry is IRCTC eCatering in?
IRCTC eCatering's product category is Railway Catering Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAIALAK, Station Retail, Food & Concessions.