IRCTC Latest Update: The train food distribution mechanism has always been the same. The age-old custom of picking your preferred food (veg/non-veg) while buying your tickets is easy for many, but the wait time might be painful, especially if you are really hungry.
To make this easy, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a new project in which passengers on certain trains can purchase meals via WhatsApp, according to The Indian Express. This meal-ordering system will be operational in two phases.
First phase to avail e-catering services
A passenger who has purchased an e-ticket will receive a WhatsApp message with the following link: ecatering.irctc.co.in. The consumer can choose e-catering services by clicking on this link.
This stage allows the traveler to book the order straight from the IRCTC's e-catering website, without the need to download the messaging app.
Second phase to avail e-catering services
During this time, those who wish to have food served must contact WhatsApp at 8750001323, and their orders will be brought to their berth. This, however, is a two-way street. According to IE, an AI-powered chatbot will answer guests' e-catering service-related questions and reserve meals for them.
Every day, over 50,000 meals are given to travelers via the IRCTC app and website.
Where will the service be available?
The service would initially be accessible on a limited number of routes, including Vijayawada, Vadodara, Moradabad, Warangal, PT. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Kanpur, Agra Cant, Tundla Junction, and Balharshah Junction.
