Passengers on specific trains can now place food orders on WhatsApp thanks to a new initiative from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Sending messages to the number 8750001323 will enable passengers to order food delivery to their specific berths.
The initiative is being implemented in two phases:
Two phases will be used to implement the new e-catering services. In the first stage, a customer who purchases an e-ticket will get a message from the WhatsApp number after doing so. It leads them to the e-catering page for IRCTC. The option to choose e-catering services is then presented after clicking the link http://www.ecatering.irctc.co.in. Customers will be able to book meals from restaurants along the route using this option, directly through the IRCTC’s e-catering website, without even having to go through the trouble of downloading the messaging app.
In the following stage, customers will be able to use their WhatsApp number as a two-way interactive platform for communication, where an AI-powered chatbot will answer all their questions about e-catering services and make reservations for meals on their behalf. The IRCTC also offers online catering services through its Food on Track catering app and website, www.catering.irctc.co.in.
More details about this initiative:
The railways said in a statement on Monday that the IRCTC will adjust the service and add more trains as a result of customer feedback. Reports suggest that at present around 50,000 meals are being served in a day to customers through the IRCTC’s e-catering services, website, and app on a daily basis.
Customers can order food without downloading the app, though. Indian Railways has made it possible for passengers to make train food reservations using WhatsApp.
Calling +91 8750001323 will connect users to the feature. Based on customer feedback, the feature will be added to additional trains and is currently available on a few trains.
