Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath, and the wedding season that follows turn Indian Railways into one of the busiest networks in the world. Trains run packed, platforms overflow, and the simple act of finding a decent meal on the move becomes a challenge. Pantry stocks run out early, platform stalls are swamped at every halt, and stepping off a crowded coach to grab food means risking your seat, your luggage, or even the train itself.
The good news is that you no longer have to depend on luck. With ixigo’s Order Food on Train feature, you can plan your meals ahead of time and have them delivered straight to your seat, no matter how crowded the journey gets.
Travelling During the Festive Season?
Order Food on Train
Why Festive Journeys Make Meals So Tricky!
During festivals, millions of people travel home at the same time. Long-distance trains often run late because of heavy traffic, pantry cars struggle to keep up with demand, and vendors at major junctions get overwhelmed within minutes. Many travellers also observe fasts during this period, making it even harder to find suitable food. ixigo notes that the service is particularly useful during festivals, when a large share of passengers may be fasting. That demand for vrat food order in trains rises sharply during Navratri and Shravan.
Pre-ordering your meal removes all of this stress. You know what you are eating, where it is coming from, and when it will reach you.
Step-by-Step: How to Order Your Meal on ixigo
ixigo’s Order Food on Train feature is a dedicated train food delivery app experience built right into the ixigo Trains app. It lets you get meals delivered hot and fresh to your seat from over 40,000 restaurants across more than 160 stations in India.
Quality is a priority as well. ixigo connects passengers exclusively with FSSAI-certified restaurants, so you can eat with confidence even on a long, unpredictable journey.
Placing an order takes just a few minutes:
- Open the ixigo Trains app: On the homepage, choose ‘Order Food on Train’. You can also find this option under Running Status or PNR Status.
- Enter your PNR: Type in your 10-digit PNR number and tap ‘Order Now’ to view the list of available stations, then choose your preferred station for delivery.
- Browse and select your meal: Pick from thalis, biryanis, South Indian combos, Jain meals, vrat meals, snacks and more from restaurants at stations along your route.
- Review your order: Check your items, delivery station and seat details before moving ahead.
- Choose how to pay and confirm: Select your preferred payment method, either online or cash on delivery. Once the order is placed, you receive a confirmation message with an order ID for reference.
Pay the Way You Prefer
Not everyone wants to pay upfront, especially when plans can shift during festive travel. That is why ixigo supports food order in train cash on delivery alongside online payment. You can choose from various online payment options or pay in cash when the meal arrives, whichever suits you best. If your plans change, free cancellation is available before food preparation begins.
Track Your Meal in Real Time
One of the biggest worries during festive travel is whether your food will actually reach you, especially when trains are running behind schedule. ixigo solves this with live tracking. The real-time IRCTC food order tracking feature tells you exactly when your food is being prepared and when it will arrive at your station halt. ixigo also integrates real-time train data, such as PNR status and crowdsourced train status information, to deliver meals directly to passengers.
Smart Tips for Ordering Food During the Festive Rush
The best way to order food on the train during peak season is to plan a little. Here are a few tips that make a real difference:
Order in advance: ixigo recommends placing your order at least an hour before the train reaches the selected station to ensure timely delivery.
Plan for fasting needs: If you or your family are observing a vrat, you can enter your PNR, browse fasting-friendly menus from restaurants at upcoming stops, and have the meal delivered to your berth.
Order for the whole group: Travelling home with family? Place a single order with thalis and combos for everyone so nobody needs to step out at crowded platforms.
Keep an eye on the app: Festive delays are common, so check the tracking screen as your delivery station approaches.
Why is ixigo the Best App to Order Food on the Train?
When you’re juggling luggage, family and a packed coach, convenience matters most. ixigo brings everything together in one place: your ticket, live running status, PNR updates and meal ordering. You get a wide restaurant network, FSSAI-certified kitchens, flexible payments, free cancellation before preparation, and real-time tracking. Discounts are often available when you order food online through ixigo, which is a welcome bonus during expensive festive travel.
Make This Festive Journey a Tasty One!
Festive travel is about getting home to the people you love, and a good meal on the way makes the journey far more enjoyable. Instead of rushing to crowded stalls or settling for whatever is left in the pantry, open the ixigo app, enter your PNR, and let fresh, hot food come to your seat. Happy festivities and happy travels!
