The e-catering services will be resumed keeping all security-related rules in check so that they can provide better catering for the train passengers.
For those who travel often by trains, they will be happy to know that the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is going to resume the e-catering services from tomorrow (February 1). The e-catering service will let the passengers pre-book their lunch or dinner meals on the trains. The Indian Railways had previously suspended the e-catering services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is to be noted that the e-catering service was first started by the IRCTC in 2014. Those passengers who want to pre-book their meals can do it through the online portal of the IRCTC: www.ecatering.irctc.com.
Here's all you need to know about the e-catering service and how to order food:
1. Indian Railways to resume e-catering services
The Ministry of Railways said in a tweet that the e-catering service that was shut during the COVID crisis was going to be resumed on certain stations from February 1.
2. Selected protocols to be followed for e-catering services
The Railways further said that the e-catering services will be resumed while keeping all security-related rules in check so that they can provide better catering for the train passengers.
3. E-catering services to resume at 62 stations
For the first phase of resuming these services, the e-catering services will only be available on 62 stations in India for now. Some of these stations are New Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Patna, Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune, Howrah, and Ujjain.
4. Avail e-catering online or through phone
The e-catering services can be availed by train online by visiting www.ecatering.irctc.com. The orders can be made through the telephone too by dialling 1323.
5. Avail e-catering through the app
Train passengers can also download an app called 'Food on Track' of the IRCTC to make use of the e-catering services. The Cash on Delivery option can also be availed for the same.
6. E-catering service to provide limited meals
The Railways are only going to provide the option of 'Ready to Eat' meals to the passengers for now through the e-catering services.