The railways, long accused of serving some of the most unpalatable food on its trains, is trying to make amends. In a first, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has tied up with Jubilant Food Works Ltd, the parent company of Domino's Pizza, to enable passengers to order pizzas right at their seats.
The railways, long accused of serving some of the most unpalatable food on its trains, is trying to make amends. In a first, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has tied up with Jubilant Food Works Ltd, the parent company of Domino's Pizza, to enable passengers to order pizzas right at their seats.
How can you order pizza on train?
In a statement, the IRCTC said, "A passenger travelling in a train without pantry car will be able to place an order for a pizza of his/her choice, to be served at his seat in the train en route, either online (www.ecatering.irctc.co.in) or through a phone call (toll-free number 1800-1034-139 and 0120-2383892-99) or an SMS ("MEAL " at 139)."
Which stations do you need to be near/passing through to avail the scheme?
IRCTC officials said initially the scheme will be offered at 12 stations — Agra Cantonment, Alwar, Jaipur, Ambala, Jalandhar Cantonment, Mathura, Muzzafarnagar, New Delhi, Pathankot Cantonment, Vapi, Bharuch and Vadodara.
"In the days to come, based on how the trials proceed, more stations and trains will be included in this venture," said an official.
What about payment?
"The mode of payment in this model is cash on delivery. E-catering, through online ordering on www.ecatering.irctc.co.in, was launched on January 23. Now, a passenger with confirmed reservation can order on the website and also make payments online. The minimum order value is Rs60 per vendor per location. E-catering is now available on 108 trains," said an IRCTC official.
Why's railways starting this?
The pizza plan is part of the railways ambitious e-catering thrust, a move to ensure passengers get better food on trains and the railways more revenue out of it.
When was the e-catering initiative started?
The railways' first e-catering initiative was started on September 25, wherein 14 trains without pantry cars were identified and eight locations were finalised from where meals could be transported to the trains once an order was placed.
Stations catering to the Domino's Pizza trial
Agra Cantonment
Alwar
Jaipur
Ambala
Jalandhar
Mathura
Muzzafarnagar
New Delhi
Pathankot
Vapi
Bharuch
Vadodara
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