Railway journeys in India are always a blend of excitement and uncertainty, but my recent trip from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru had a unique twist, thanks to IRCTC’s innovative Food on Track service. This new feature allows passengers to order food online from select restaurants, caterers, or food suppliers, making long train journeys more convenient and enjoyable. Here's how my experience unfolded.

The Beginning of the Journey

Prashanti Express, a popular train connecting Bhubaneswar and Bengaluru, is well-known for its punctuality and comfort. Covering a journey of approximately 24 hours, it passes through scenic routes and major stations like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Katpadi. With its convenient schedule and reliable service, it’s a preferred choice for passengers traveling between Odisha and Karnataka.

Boarding the Prashanti Express from Bhubaneswar, I was intrigued by the Food on Track app. With lunchtime approaching, I decided to test this service by ordering a Veg Biryani from Shyam Catering, opting for the Cash on Delivery (COD) option since it was my first time using the app. My food was scheduled to be delivered at Visakhapatnam station, where the train had a 30-minute halt at 12:30 PM.

The Challenges of Ordering

While placing the order, I noticed a significant flaw in the app: there was no option to input my seat or berth number. This left me confused about how the delivery personnel would locate me. I repeatedly checked the app, hoping for an option to edit this detail, but none was available. My concern grew as the delivery time approached—would the food actually arrive, or would I have to rely on the pantry car?

The Wait at Visakhapatnam

To my surprise, the train reached Visakhapatnam on time, which is a rare occurrence in Indian Railways. At exactly 12:30 PM, I received a call from a lady at the catering service confirming my order. She assured me that the food would be delivered soon. However, as the clock ticked closer to the train’s departure time, my anxiety grew.

With only five minutes left before the train's departure, I called the support number on the app. The lady reassured me that the delivery person was on the way. Finally, with just two minutes to spare, a man appeared at my seat accompanied by a Zomato delivery trainee, handing over my Veg Biryani.

The Verdict on Food Quality

While the service was a nail-biting experience, the food itself was underwhelming. The Veg Biryani was average in taste, and I would rate it a 3 out of 5. However, the convenience of having freshly cooked food delivered to my train seat was a highlight of the journey.

My Takeaways from the Experience

1. App Improvement Needed:

The Food on Track app should include an option to input seat or berth numbers to streamline the delivery process.

2. Timeliness is Key:

Although the food was delivered on time, the last-minute rush added unnecessary stress.

3. Taste vs. Convenience:

While the taste of the food was average, the convenience of having food delivered on a train makes the service worth trying.

Conclusion

IRCTC's Food on Track is a promising initiative that has the potential to revolutionize food delivery on trains. Despite minor hiccups, the service adds a layer of convenience to long-distance journeys. If you're planning a railway trip, this service is definitely worth a try.

Have you tried IRCTC’s Food on Track service? Share your experience in the comments below!

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IRCTC’s Food on Track: A Unique Experience During My Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru Train Journey

Exploring IRCTC's innovative food delivery service where convenience meets travel on Indian Railways.