Just ahead of the Rail Budget, the IRCTC has given pizza lovers among their travelers a reason to rejoice about!
The facility which has, for now, been introduced at 12 selected stations, allows passengers to order a pizza while travelling either online or by making a phone call or sms.
The IRCTC has tied up with Jubilant Food Works Ltd, the parent company of Domino’s Pizza, on a trial basis as a part of its bid to widen the choices on the travelers’ menu. Under their newly launched e-catering services, the rail service provider is now trying to offer popular food brands in the market aboard their trains.
Ordering a pizza and getting it delivered to the seat train will be a simple procedure. Passengers can either make a call to 0120-2383892-99 or the toll-free number at 1800-1034-139.
They can also choose to do so through an SMS to 139 by giving details of their PNR and seat number.
The pizza ordering facility is being offered by Domino’s Pizza at 12 stations which include Agra, Alwar, Ambala, Jalandhar, Mathura, Muzzafarnagar, Pathankot, Vapi, Bharuch and Vadodara. “We will extend the pizza service to more stations gradually,” the official said.
The e-catering facility which was introduced by the IRCTC in September 2014 on a trial basis has now been introduced to 120 trains, and is being extended to more trains every few days. Catering in trains which have been placed under zonal railways (instead of the IRCTC) had been drawing a lot of criticism over the quality of service provided by private agencies engaged as on-board caterers by the railways.
Since the railways will have no role to play in the arrangement between the travellers and private agencies providing these services, they will no more be irked by complaints about sub-standard food or the quality of service. Additionally, passengers travelling aboard trains without pantry cars of their own will also be able to avail of the services.
“We would be happy if this trend catches on and more agencies enter the arena. It will be more competitive and passengers will not get cheated unless there is cartelization. We can also do away with pantry cars which come with their own set of problems. Instead of a pantry car, we can attach an additional passenger coach to the train. This will fetch additional revenue,” an official had said earlier.
So, next time you go on train travel, do remember to order a pizza from Dominos!