Indian Railways passengers can now order food through WhatsApp: Insights here

In a bid to make its e-catering services more customer-centric, Indian Railways PSU - Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) - has started offering passengers to order food via WhatsApp. “IRCTC has launched e-catering services through a specially developed website www.catering.irctc.co.in as well as its Food on Track e-catering app.

A business WhatsApp number +91-8750001323 has been launched for this purpose,” the railway ministry said in a statement. Under IRCTC catering and hospitality, e-catering is an online service that helps passengers order food from partner restaurants or other restaurants while traveling by train. Food offered by Indian Railways to passengers are Veg Thali, Veg Biryani With Raita, Chicken Biryani With Raita, Standard Thali, Special Thali, Cold drinks,Water

Initially, it was intended to implement e-catering services in two phases through WhatsApp Communication. In the initial phase, the Business WhatsApp number will send a message to customers who book e-tickets and opt for e-catering services at www.ecatering.irctc.co.in. With this facility, customers will be able to book meals from restaurants located at en-route stations directly through the IRCTC e-catering website without downloading the app.

In the next phase of services, the WhatsApp number will be enabled to become an interactive two-way communication platform for the customer, where an AI-powered chatbot will handle all passengers' queries regarding e-catering services and book meals for them. First WhatsApp communication was implemented for e-catering services in select trains and passengers and based on customer feedback and suggestions, the railways will enable the same in other trains as well.

Earlier, Jio Haptik had joined hands with, an IRCTC food delivery service provider to allow people to place food orders through a chatbot on WhatsApp. It’s additional features such as real-time order tracking, and IRCTC’s new Zoop WhatsApp service enables passengers to place orders at any station that is approaching.

Train passengers can access the service with their “Passenger Name Record” (PNR) number, which can be found on their ticket. In addition, online food ordering and delivery services are currently accessible in over 100 A1, A, and B Category railway stations, including Vijayawada, Vadodra, Moradabad, Warangal, PT Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Kanpur, and Agra Cantt.