IRCTC Cracks Down on Fake Food Delivery Networks: 14 Unauthorized Apps & Websites Shut Down to Protect Train Passengers

In a major move aimed at protecting railway passengers from food fraud and cybercrime, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has permanently shut down 14 unauthorized websites and mobile applications involved in illegal food delivery services on trains. The corporation has also initiated criminal proceedings against these fake e-catering operators.

The action is being viewed as one of IRCTC’s strongest crackdowns against fraudulent food delivery networks operating in the railway ecosystem.

Why Did IRCTC Take Strict Action?

According to IRCTC, these unauthorized apps and websites posed serious risks to both passenger safety and financial security. Many of these operators were allegedly sourcing food from unlicensed roadside kitchens and eateries that lacked approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

IRCTC stated that the food handlers and kitchen staff associated with these illegal operators had not undergone mandatory medical examinations, raising major concerns over hygiene and food quality.

Apart from health risks, passengers also faced the danger of cyber fraud. These fake platforms were reportedly collecting sensitive customer information such as:

PNR numbers

Mobile numbers

Email addresses

Credit and debit card details

UPI payment information

Officials warned that such data collection could potentially expose passengers to financial fraud and cybercrime.

Passengers Reported Non-Delivery and No Customer Support

IRCTC revealed that many passengers who placed food orders through these unauthorized apps suffered monetary losses after payments were deducted but food was never delivered.

Additionally, there was reportedly no proper customer support system to handle complaints, refunds, or service issues, leaving passengers helpless during train journeys.

IRCTC Urges Passengers to Use Official Platforms Only

To avoid fraud and ensure hygienic food delivery, IRCTC has advised passengers to order meals only through its authorized channels.

Passengers can safely book food during train journeys through:

Official e-catering portal: ecatering.irctc.co.in

Official ‘Food on Track’ mobile app

IRCTC helpline number: 1323

These official services are integrated with verified restaurant partners and monitored food safety systems.

IRCTC Partners With Major Food Brands

IRCTC’s official e-catering platform currently collaborates with several leading food and restaurant brands, including:

Zomato

Swiggy

Domino’s

Haldiram’s

KFC

The service is now operational across more than 400 railway stations nationwide.

As of April 2026, IRCTC reported that passengers were booking an average of over 1.55 lakh hygienic meals every day through its official network.

Growing Focus on Passenger Safety

The crackdown highlights IRCTC’s increasing focus on passenger safety, digital security, and food quality across India’s railway network. With cyber fraud cases rising rapidly, officials are urging travelers to verify platforms carefully before placing online food orders during train journeys.

Experts believe this action could significantly reduce fraudulent food delivery scams targeting railway passengers and strengthen trust in IRCTC’s official e-catering ecosystem.