New Delhi : Indian Railways PSU, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has launched e-Catering services through its e-Catering App Food on Track along with a specially developed website www.catering.irctc.co.in have started.
Taking a step forward towards making its e-catering services more customer-centric, Indian Railways has recently launched WhatsApp communication for railway passengers to order food through e-catering services. Business WhatsApp number +91-8750001323 has been started for this.
Initially, two phases of implementation of e-catering services through WhatsApp communication were planned. In the first step, the business WhatsApp number will send a message to the customer booking an e-ticket to select the e-catering services by clicking on the link www.ecatering.irctc.co.in.
With this option, customers will be able to book food of their choice from restaurants of their choice available at stations directly through IRCTC’s e-catering website without the need to download an app.
In the next phase of services, the WhatsApp number will be able to become an interactive two-way communication platform for the customer, wherein the AI powered chatbot will answer all queries on e-catering services for passengers, as well as book meals for them.
Initially, WhatsApp communication has been implemented for e-catering services on select trains and passengers and based on customer feedback and suggestions, Indian Railways will implement it in other trains as well.
Currently, about 50,000 meals a day are being served to customers through IRCTC’s e-catering services, which are being enabled through its website as well as through the app.