Scam Alert: IRCTC Warns Train Passengers Against Fake Food Ordering Apps; Action Taken Against 15 Platforms

Passengers ordering food during train journeys have been warned against using several unauthorised websites and apps that allegedly misuse the IRCTC brand, exposing users to fraud, data theft and food safety risks.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a strong warning to railway passengers against ordering food through several unauthorised websites and mobile applications that claim to offer train food delivery services.

According to IRCTC, some private platforms have been using the corporation’s name and brand to attract customers despite not being part of its authorised e-catering network. Officials warned that using such services could expose passengers to financial fraud, data theft and health-related risks.

These unauthorised platforms reportedly collected sensitive information such as PNR numbers, mobile numbers, email addresses and payment details from passengers while accepting food orders.

Following complaints, IRCTC launched a nationwide drive against illegal e-catering operators. The corporation first issued legal notices to the websites and apps on February 18. When no satisfactory response was received, a criminal complaint was filed on March 16, followed by another official complaint on April 11. Authorities subsequently identified the operators and initiated action.

Websites And Apps Under Scrutiny

IRCTC has warned passengers against using the following unauthorised platforms:

• railrestro.com
• railrestro.in
• railmitra.com
• travelkhana.com
• trainscafe.com
• dibrail.com
• railfood.net
• comesum.com
• travelerfood.com
• foodontrack.in
• ecatering.app
• khanaonline.in
• trainway.in
• railmeal.com
• trainmenu.com

IRCTC officials said one of the biggest concerns is food quality. Many unauthorised platforms reportedly source food from restaurants that may not comply with standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Food supplied through such channels may not be prepared under proper hygiene standards, and delivery personnel or kitchen staff may not undergo mandatory health checks. This can increase health risks for passengers.

The corporation also highlighted cyber-security concerns associated with these platforms.

Passengers are often required to share personal and financial information while placing orders. Officials warned that this can increase the risk of phishing attacks, online scams, identity theft and financial fraud.

In many cases, there is no proper grievance redressal mechanism if food is not delivered or bookings are cancelled, leaving passengers vulnerable to financial losses.

Use Only Official IRCTC Platforms

To ensure safe food delivery, IRCTC has advised passengers to place orders only through:

• Official IRCTC e-Catering services
• The Food on Track mobile application
• Authorised food aggregators and vendors listed by IRCTC

Using official channels helps ensure secure payments, hygienic food preparation and access to customer support in case of complaints.

According to IRCTC, its e-catering service was operational at more than 400 railway stations across the country as of April 2026. The network included 5,604 vendors, comprising 629 direct vendors and 13 authorised food aggregators.

Major food brands associated with the official network include Domino’s, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, KFC, Haldiram’s, Bikanerwala, Behrouz Biryani, Biryani By Kilo and Faasos.

IRCTC said the service delivers food directly to passengers’ seats in reserved train coaches and handled more than 1.55 lakh meal orders per day on average in April 2026.

Disclaimer: Passengers should verify food-ordering platforms through official IRCTC channels before sharing personal or payment information. Platform status and authorised vendor lists may change over time.