Indian Railways Rolls Out E-Pantry on 25 Routes

There’s a fresh breeze of convenience sweeping through Indian Railways’ long-distance journeys, and it’s all about good food but without the hassle. In a move designed to modernise onboard services and enhance passenger comfort, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has rolled out a brand-new E-Pantry online meal booking service that’s available on 25 Mail and Express trains starting February 2026.

For generations of travellers from seasoned adventurers to families on holiday one of the constant challenges of train travel has been securing a wholesome, hygienic meal at the right time in long-distance journeys. The launch of E-Pantry marks a pivotal shift in this experience, giving passengers the power to pre-order meals digitally and receive them directly at their seat, no more long waits at stations or uncertain vendor visits.

A Smarter Way to Eat on Board

The E-Pantry service integrates seamlessly into IRCTC’s existing online booking platform. When purchasing your train ticket on the IRCTC website or app, an option to book your meal appears right there like choosing your seat or berth. If you forget it at the time of booking, there’s still time to add it later through the “Booked Ticket History” section.

Once you’ve made your selection, you’ll receive a Meal Verification Code (MVC) via SMS or email. This unique code confirms your order and must be shown to the onboard pantry staff to ensure delivery at your seat. Payments are cashless, giving peace of mind and keeping the entire process clean and transparent.

What’s on the Menu? Order and Delivery

The service allows passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets to pre-book standard meals and Rail Neer packaged water. Once the E-Pantry team receives your order, pantry car staff onboard will deliver the meal right to you during the journey. This digital system promises verified delivery, digital tracking, and refunds if meals are not delivered as promised, thanks to automated dashboards and systematic order management.

This level of accountability is a big relief for travellers who’ve sometimes faced unpredictable food availability at stations or inconsistent pantry services in the past. With meal choices booked in advance, IRCTC aims to ensure that every passenger enjoys a satisfying dining experience on board.

Where It’s Live — And What’s Next

At launch, the E-Pantry facility is operational on 25 Mail and Express trains spread across major national routes. Popular services like the Vivek Express, Swatantra Senani Express, Kalinga Utkal Express, and the Paschim Express are among those covered. These trains typically run long distances where reliable meal access has always been a logistical challenge.

Rail officials hint that more trains will be added to the roster based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility. This phased rollout suggests a strategic approach that blends cutting-edge digital convenience with real-world reliability.

Why This Matters to You

For travellers on MusafirBaba, this change means no more anxious hunger pangs between stations or last-minute food hunts. Whether you’re headed home for a holiday, exploring historic cities, or embarking on a pilgrimage, knowing your meal is already booked adds a layer of comfort to your journey.

This move also aligns with broader trends in the travel ecosystem, where tech-led experiences like quick meal booking, improved on-train services, and automated delivery assurance are raising expectations and satisfaction levels for passengers across India.