IRCTC e-Pantry meal option: Here’s how to order breakfast, lunch or dinner on train | step-by-step guide

IRCTC e-Pantry service

Initially, the e-pantry service was introduced on the Vivek Express (Train Nos. 22503/04). “Since its phase wise introduction in April 2025, the response to the service has been very encouraging. More than 65000 meals have been booked through IRCTC e-pantry service.

The Breakfast and Dinner meal registered booking of more than 17000 meals each and similarly Morning and Evening Tea saw booking of more than 8000 orders each. The lunch service also received more than 15000 orders during this period,” it added.

The hospitality and tourism arm of Indian Railways also noted that in December 2025, meal bookings peaked at around 16,500 orders. Of these, nearly 8,300 orders were recorded on train number 12649–50/12629–30, the YPR Sampark Kranti Express.

IRCTC e-Pantry booking: Step-by-Step guide

The e-Pantry booking service has been integrated with IRCTC ticket booking platform (www.irctc.co.in). This facility allows passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets to pre-order standard meals and Rail Neer, delivered directly to their seats by pantry car staff.

• Passengers can select the e-Pantry meal option during the booking process on the IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in).
• Select either from the confirmation page or under “My Transaction” section in “Booked Food History” section.
• After booking, passengers receive a confirmation message and a Meal Verification Code (MVC) via SMS or email.
• On the day of travel, passengers share the MVC with the vendor, who delivers the pre-ordered meal directly to their seat. The MVC is used to confirm that the meals are delivered to the correct passenger.
• Payments are made online via digital payment methods. This will eliminate the need for cash transactions during travel.
• If a meal is not delivered as per the booking, passengers are entitled to a refund. Cancellation and refund details are communicated through Email or SMS.

“Now passengers can easily pre-book a Breakfast, Standard Meal Lunch/Dinner or Rail Neer online, ensuring meal delivery during their journey. All meal orders are managed through digital dashboards, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and compliance with tax regulations,” IRCTC said in a statement.