Zomato Partners with Indian Railways to Offer Food Delivery on Trains

If you’ve ever craved something more exciting than the usual pantry food during your train journeys, we have great news for you. Zomato, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms, has teamed up with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to launch Zomato – Food Delivery in Trains. This innovative service allows passengers to order a wide range of meals and have them delivered directly to their train coaches at more than 100 railway stations.

Revolutionizing Food on Train Journeys

On September 13, 2024, Zomato’s CEO Deepinder Goyal announced the new collaboration via X (formerly known as Twitter). In his post, he shared, “Update: Zomato now delivers food directly to your train coach at over 100 railway stations, thanks to our partnership with IRCTC. We have already served 10 lakh orders on trains. Try it on your next journey!”

This collaboration not only upgrades the quality of food available on trains but also gives passengers a much wider selection of meals to choose from, unlike the standard veg and non-veg platters traditionally offered onboard. Fancy a pizza, biryani, or even a bowl of your favorite noodles while on the move? You can now order through the Zomato app and have your meal delivered right to your seat.

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How the Service Works

Passengers can place their orders using the Zomato app by selecting the ‘Food Delivery in Trains’ option. The app will prompt you to enter your train number, station, and coach details. Once your train reaches the designated station, the delivery agent will bring your food directly to your seat. This service is already operational in 88 cities and has successfully completed over 10 lakh orders.

However, like any new service, there have been questions about its logistics. A common concern among users is what happens if a train is delayed. As Indian trains are often unpredictable with their arrival times, passengers are understandably concerned about how this will impact their food delivery.

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Addressing Passenger Concerns

One frequent question raised by users is, “What happens if the train is late? If I place an order expecting the train to reach station X at 1 pm, but it arrives at 3 pm, will the delivery agent wait for two hours?”

While Zomato has not yet provided a detailed response to these concerns, it’s expected that the delivery service will be coordinated with real-time train tracking to ensure timely deliveries. Additionally, cash-on-delivery (COD) might be a useful feature for these orders, allowing passengers to pay only after they receive their food, reducing the risk of paying for undelivered orders due to train delays.

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Another user humorously commented, “Will they deliver tea saying ‘chai chai’ in the traditional railway style, or silently hand it over?” Such lighthearted reactions show the excitement around this new service, with many appreciating the convenience of having restaurant-quality food during their journeys.

Commitment to Enhancing Travel Experiences

IRCTC expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration by re-sharing Goyal’s post and adding, “IRCTC is committed to enhancing rail passengers’ journeys by providing a wider range of quality food options. Through strategic partnerships, we offer a variety of quality food, ensuring a satisfying experience onboard our trains.”

This highlights IRCTC’s continuous efforts to improve the travel experience and make long train rides more enjoyable for passengers.This collaboration also reflects Zomato’s forward-thinking approach and willingness to explore new business opportunities. As one user noted, “I appreciate how Zomato keeps experimenting with new ideas. Some may succeed, some may not, but it reflects their commitment to growth and innovation.”

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Expanding Reach and Convenience

Currently, Zomato – Food Delivery in Trains is available in 88 cities, covering over 100 railway stations, with over 10 lakh orders already completed. The service is expected to expand rapidly, bringing more stations and routes into the fold. Given the scale of India’s railway network, Zomato’s entry into this sector is poised for substantial growth, offering even more passengers the convenience of enjoying restaurant-quality food while traveling.

Looking Ahead

With this partnership, Zomato has unlocked a vast, untapped market. It’s not just about offering more food choices, but about transforming the entire travel experience for millions of train passengers across India. For those who frequently travel by train, this initiative promises more delicious and enjoyable journeys.

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Next time you’re booking a train ticket, be sure to check if Zomato – Food Delivery in Trains is available at your station. You might soon find yourself savoring a gourmet meal while watching the countryside pass by, making your train trip a lot more enjoyable!