IRCTC Food Order List: Vendors overcharging for fixed menus on trains? — Here is how to register complaint

IRCTC Food Order List: Lakhs of passengers travel onthe Indian Railway trains everyday, and a large number of these passengers avail of catering on these trains. While IRCTC provides food services on some trains, vendors look after the pantry cars on other trains. But IRCTC sets menus and prices of the food items that are served by these vendors. However, of late several passengers have complained of vendors overcharging them or items missing from the menu. IRCTC has taken stock of such complaints, and in the past 4 months levied fines worth Rs 90 lakh on vendors.

IRCTC Food order rate list: IRCTC Menu

Vegetarian Thali: Price Rs 80

It has been seen that a 'Vegetarian Thali', which is priced at Rs 80, is being sold at Rs 120 to 130 by the vendors. The fixed menu for the veg thali mandates that it contain rice, dal/sambhar, mix veg, 2 parathas/4 chapatis, curd and pickle.

Egg Curry Thali: Price Rs 90
The thali contains curry of two eggs, rice, 2 parathas/4 chapatis, dal/sambhar, curd and pickle. 

Non-veg Thali: Price Rs 110-130
The non-veg thali must contain chicken curry, rice, 2 parathas/4 chapatis, dal/sambhar, curd and pickle. 

Janta Thali: Price Rs 20
Seven pooris, potato curry and pickle. 

IRCTC Food order: Vendors fleecing passengers

As the rate card for the food isn't prominently displayed for the passengers, certain pantry card vendors charge as per their whims and fancies. 

They also tinker with the standard menu — removing items from the menu to save expenses, or adding items in order to justify the rate being charged by them.

For instance, Zee Business investigation found that in order to justify the excess rate being charged, pantry workers claim to have added paneer to the dishes, or say that they're serving paneer instead of curd. 

IRCTC Food complaint: How to register complaint?

Passengers can lodge a complaint through the official eCatering website, Food on Track app or by calling 1323 within 5 days of the delivery time in case they are unhappy with the food offered or the service.

They can also register their complaints on Rail MAdad app at https://railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in.

IRCTC Food complaint: How to register complaint on Rail Madad App? 

Passengers can follow these steps to regiter their complaint on Rail Madad app — 
1) Log on to Rail Madad App.
2) Click on the Complaint Tab.
3) Enter and validate your phone number through OTP.
4) Enter journey details like - PNR, complaint type, incident date and complaint description. 
5) They will receive confirmation on the mobile number entered. 

IRCTC Food complaint: Steps taken by IRCTC to curb overcharging

1) Point of sale machines to encourage digital payments and keep a track of transactions.
2) Posters of "No Bill, Food is Free" to be pasted on coaches.
3) Creating awareness via social and print media.
4) Facility to provide feedback and rate services to ensure quality of food and water being served.
5) An onboard supervisor to supervise the food catering.
6) Catering staff to prominently display 'No Tips Please' badge on their uniform.