IRCTC launches e-Pantry service in 25 trains

IRCTC recently launched e-Pantry meal booking facility for passengers of those mail / express train wherein food is not included in ticket fare.

e-Pantry is a digitally enabled solution to pre-book meals on select trains with pantry cars. With this, passengers can now travel hassle free with their meals booked in advance.

This facility is integrated into the IRCTC ticket booking platform (www.irctc.co.in). It allows passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets to pre-order standard meals and Rail Neer, delivered directly to their seats by pantry car staff.

How e-Pantry service works:

1. Booking: Passengers can select the e-Pantry meal option during the booking process on the IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in), either from the confirmation page or the “Booked Ticket History” section.

2. Confirmation: After booking, passengers receive a confirmation message and a Meal Verification Code (MVC) via SMS or email.

3. Meal Delivery: On the day of travel, passengers share the MVC with the vendor, who delivers the pre-ordered meal directly to their seat.

Payments can be made online via digital payment methods, eliminating the need for cash transactions during travel. A Meal Verification Code (MVC) is used to confirm that the meals are delivered to the correct passenger.

All meal orders are managed through digital dashboards and can be tracked online.If a meal is not delivered as per the booking, passengers are entitled to a refund. Cancellation and refund details will be communicated through Email, SMS, or WhatsApp

Initially piloted on Vivek Express (Train Nos. 22503/04)—India’s longest-distance train—E-Pantry is presently being rendered in 25 Mail / Express trains.