IRCTC Food Complaint & Food Rules: Complete Guide to Safe and Hot Meals on Train.

Published on November 19, 2025

IRCTC food rules for passengers on Indian Railways

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Training in India is not just getting to your destination but it is all about comfort, convenience and food. The IRCTC food quality guidelines have never been so significant due to the dependence that millions of passengers put on train meals daily. Whether it is a long trip or overnight, the availability of safe, fresh, and timely meals can be the difference between a good and bad travel experience. Be it the Biryani in Train, the Jain Food in Train or a Hot Meal in Train, it is important to know the IRCTC food regulations and how to solve problems.

With a growing variety of regional options like North Indian Food in train and South Indian food in train, passengers now have more choices than ever but with choice comes responsibility. This guide provides all the information of IRCTC food complaint, the updated policies in 2025, approved vendors, refund policies, and tips that will help to enjoy a hustle and bustle free delicious meal during the move.

What is an IRCTC Food Complaint? When Should You File One?

An IRCTC food complaint is a written complaint that is registered when customers have problems with food served on trains. Common reasons include:

  • Cold or spoiled food
  • Late or missing deliveries
  • Wrong orders (e.g. orders that are non-Jain food and not Jain meals)
  • Soiled or untidy packaging.

The passengers are supposed to complain when the meal does not comply with the IRCTC food quality standards. The filing guarantees that IRCTC investigates and prosecutes the vendors who go against the IRCTC food rules to passengers.

IRCTC Food Rules & Food Policy 2025

IRCTC food policy 2025 ensures there is safety, hygiene and delivery time of all train meals. Key rules include:

1. Hygiene Compliance – Meals must meet FSSAI rules for food in Indian Railways, covering preparation, storage, and handling.

2. Timely Delivery – On long-distance trains, 24 Hour food in Train availability is ensured for select routes.

3. Menu Transparency – Passengers can choose from North Indian Food in train, South Indian food in train, Jain Food in Train, snacks, and beverages.

4. Refund & Compensation – IRCTC allows refunds or partial refunds for poor quality or missed meals.

5. Vendor Compliance - IRCTC approved food vendors are only permitted to serve meals, and this will ensure that the food safety policy of IRCTC train food is observed.

Through these regulations, IRCTC has been able to provide people with safe, hygienic and quality food in their travel.

IRCTC Approved Food Vendors (YatriRestro)

IRCTC partners with approved vendors through YatriRestro to provide meals on trains. Benefits include:

  • All vendors follow IRCTC food rules for passengers
  • FSSAI-certified meals are of quality and hygiene.
  • The regional and diet choices such as North Indian Food in train, South Indian food in train as well as Jain Food in Train.

Ordering your food through IRCTC authorized food suppliers will see your Hot Meal in Train turn out on time and safe to eat.

What Food Is Allowed? Complete Guide for Passengers

Customers will have a wide range of choices based on their flights and preferences:

  • North Indian Food in train – Paneer, Dal, Roti, Rice, and Biryani in Train
  • South Indian food in train – Idli, Dosa, Sambhar, Rice meals
  • Jain Food in Train – Strict vegetarian meals without root vegetables
  • 24 Hour food in Train – Available on select long-distance trains
  • There are also snacks, beverages and desserts.

Indian Railways outrights the food that does not comply with the standards of food hygiene or the food sold by other non-approved sellers or food that has not passed the FSSAI requirements of food.

About Filing an IRCTC Food Complaint (Step-by-Step).

It is easy to file an IRCTC food complaint:

1. Via IRCTC Website or App
  • Log in to your IRCTC account
  • Go to ‘My Bookings’
  • Select your train and click on ‘Food Complaint’
  • Provide details: meal type, issue, and time
2. Call the IRCTC Complaint Number for Food
  • Dial 139
  • Choose the food complaint option
  • Share booking details and describe the problem
3. Email or Online Form
  • Use the IRCTC portal or official email to submit your complaint
  • Include photos of the meal if needed

Acknowledgement usually happens within 24–48 hours, and resolution is provided per IRCTC food policy 2025.

Refund, Cancellation, Waiver & Charges

IRCTC ensures passengers are compensated if meals do not meet standards:

  • Full Refund – For undelivered or spoiled meals
  • Partial Refund – For delayed or incorrect orders
  • No Charges – If complaint is validated
  • Waivers – For repeated service failures on select trains

It is better to have your meal receipt or transaction ID in order to make the process easier.

Top Food Options Recommended for Train Passengers

Some of the most popular meals for train travelers include:

  • Biryani in Train – Hygienic and freshly served
  • Hot Meal in Train – Timely and temperature-controlled
  • North Indian Food in train – Dal, Paneer, Rice, and Roti
  • South Indian food in train – Dosa, Idli, Rice with curry
  • Jain Food in Train – Vegetarian options following dietary restrictions
  • Quick bite snacks and refreshments.

Placing orders early will be a guarantee of availability and timely delivery on long distances.

How YatriRestro Follows All IRCTC Food Rules

YatriRestro, the primary IRCTC vendor partner, follows strict guidelines:

  • Prepares meals under FSSAI rules for food in Indian Railways
  • Regular audits to maintain hygiene and quality
  • Meals are packaged to preserve temperature and freshness
  • Offers dietary and regional options including Jain Food in Train
  • Uses approved ingredients following IRCTC train food safety policy

YatriRestro can promise passengers safe, on time, and delicious meals during their travels.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the IRCTC food regulations and how one can make a complaint can help give one a stress-free experience during traveling. Based on Biryani in Train to Jain Food in Train, IRCTC food policy 2025 has ensured safe, hygienic, and punctual meals to all the passengers. And always use approved food vendors of IRCTC, keep receipts handy and do not hesitate to get complaints where need be your feedback goes a long way in keeping all the travelers at a high standard. 

Keep in mind, it is the trips in trains that are supposed to be pleasant, and food contributes to that significantly. Being aware of the IRCTC food regulations in the air, planning your meals and making smart decisions, you can transform any of your trips into a good and cozy one. A hot, safe, delicious meal is not only a convenience, but is a right of a train traveller in India, and IRCTC is keeping a right to it.

FAQ

1. What is the IRCTC complaint number for food?

Call 139 and follow the IVR for food complaints.

2. What is the process of online filing of IRCTC food complaint?

After logging in to IRCTC, book, choose Food Complaint and enter the details.

3. Are vegetarian or Jain food options available?

Yes, IRCTC provides Jain Food in Train and vegetarian meals.

4. What are the IRCTC food rules for passengers?

Meals must be hygienic, timely, and match the ordered menu.

5. Is it possible to refund the spoiled or delayed food?

Yes, IRCTC provides full or partial refunds depending on the matter.

6. Which vendors are allowed to serve train food?

Only IRCTC approved food vendors like YatriRestro are permitted.

7. What safety guidelines do train food vendors follow?

All vendors comply with FSSAI rules for food in Indian Railways and IRCTC train food safety policy.


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