Train travel on Indian railways is a journey full of excitement. These excitements are sometimes pleasant: a beautiful view through the window or a fellow uncle offering sattu paratha from his dabba. But sometimes, the journey becomes even more disappointing when you feel your stomach growling at 8 PM and realize your food in train hasn’t yet arrived .
On the other hand, train delays are not new to us. But the wait becomes worse when hunger kicks in and the ordered food in train service doesn’t show up. Many passengers have shared their frustration through various channels concerning the train delays and the kids asking, “Mummy, khana kab aayega?”
So what really causes food delays during train journeys? And more importantly—how do food delivery apps like RailRestro and platforms like IRCTC respond to food delivery in train during delays?
From Pantry Cars to App Orders: A Shift in Train Food Culture
Many of us remember the old days when pantry car boys used to yell “khaana kha lo, 8 baje band ho jayega!” at major stations. You’d get a thali around 7–9 PM if you were lucky. After that—nothing but chips and water bottles for the rest of the night.
Stations like Itarsi Junction, Kanpur Central Railway Station, Nagpur, Vijayawada, and Howrah Junction were hotspots for food pick-up. And trains like Rajdhani Express (Delhi–Howrah), Duronto Express, and Purushottam Express (Puri–New Delhi) had the most pantry services searched online.
But times have changed. Now you can order biryani, pizza, or a full thali on train with a few taps on your phone—thanks to the train food app ecosystem led by RailRestro and supported by IRCTC.
Why Does Train Food Delivery Get Delayed?
Food delays in trains are mostly linked with train timings. If your train is delayed, diverted, or running too early, it becomes a logistical challenge. The restaurant that was supposed to deliver your food at Mughal Sarai stations might now have to rush to deliver it at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction or cancel if they miss the timing. Reasons the train gets delayed ij Indian Railway :
- Sudden changes in train stoppages
- Technical issues at the kitchen end
- Platform change confusion
- Internet blackout (common in rural stretches)
And of course, the universal reason“ remains—“Sir, delivery boy thoda late ho gaya hai”
Why RailRestro Is Best Suited for Handling Delays:
RailRestro is more than just a train food delivery app. It’s a full-on travel food support system. Here’s what makes them stand out:
Live Train Tracking: Once you place an order, the app keeps track of your train’s location in real time. If your train is late, the restaurant is informed automatically.
Auto-Scheduling: Your order is rescheduled to the next suitable station if the train misses the current one.
Customer Support on Call/WhatsApp: They don’t leave you hanging. You’ll get timely updates via SMS and calls about your food status. Call us on 8102202203
Prepaid Refunds or Replacements: If delivery fails, RailRestro offers instant refunds or gives you the option to order again at the next station.
So even if your train reaches Bhopal 1.5 hours late, you can still get fresh parathas or pulao delivered—hot and hygienic.
How IRCTC Responds to Food Delays:
IRCTC eCatering, though not as flexible as RailRestro in real-time adjustments, has improved a lot in recent years. They are now occupied with the following services:
- Allow live PNR-based ordering
- Have started integrating with real-time train data
- Provide customer support to reroute the delivery (if the vendor allows)
- Issue refunds if the vendor cancels due to a delay
However, RailRestro still leads when it comes to personalized customer response and rescheduling during delays. Just peek at some real customer stories from the track:
Pooja, a solo traveler on the Rajdhani Express, recalls,
“My train was 90 minutes late. I ordered dinner through RailRestro, thinking it won’t come. But they called me, tracked the train live, and rescheduled the delivery to Patna Junction. I got my food right at my berth—hot and perfect!”
Another passenger, Ramesh, traveling via Duronto Express, shared,
“IRCTC eCatering cancelled my food because the train skipped the halt. I reordered through RailRestro and got paneer tikka at Nagpur. Life saver!”
What happens if RailRestro can't deliver food due to unexpected situations?
- Immediate Refund: If they miss the delivery, the money is returned without delays.
- Next Station Option: They offer you a chance to receive food at the next big station.
- 24x7 Support: You can talk to a human, not just a chatbot.
- Their customer-first approach ensures your hunger isn’t lost in technical errors.
Train delays are part of Indian rail travel—but hunger doesn’t have to be. With RailRestro's customer care executive, tech support, and flexible delivery, availing food on train is now more reliable even when the train isn’t. Whether you’re on a scenic journey or stuck in a siding, your food is just a click away.
FAQ :
Q1. What should I do if my train is delayed and I have ordered food on train?
If you ordered through RailRestro, the system automatically tracks the train. You can call support or track your order through the app.
Q2. Can I still get food if the train skips the delivery station?
Yes, RailRestro often reschedules your order to the next station or refunds you if not possible.
Q3. Which is the best train food app for late-night delivery?
RailRestro has good coverage and late-night options at major stations like Itarsi, Nagpur, and Kanpur station. You can get snacks, meals, and drinks on the train even after 10 PM.
Comments