Train journeys in India have always been an essential part of travel, but meal options have often been limited to station vendors or pre-packed food.
Recognizing the need for better dining experiences, the product team at Zomato has collaborated with IRCTC e-catering services to introduce ‘Zomato – Food Delivery in Trains.
The product manager and the team are featured as one of Upraised's top 50 Game Changers in 2024.
The Problem: Limited Food Choices for Train Passengers
Passengers on long train journeys often face several challenges when it comes to dining options:
- Limited and Unreliable Food Availability: Station vendors offer a restricted selection, and onboard pantry meals may not always meet quality expectations.
- Lack of Customization: Dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or regional cuisines, are often unavailable or difficult to procure.
- Uncertainty About Hygiene and Quality: Many travelers hesitate to order from unknown sources due to concerns about cleanliness and freshness.
Zomato's product team aimed to bridge this gap by enabling easy, high-quality food ordering during train journeys.
The Solution: Zomato’s Train Meal Delivery Integration
With the integration of Zomato into IRCTC’s e-catering ecosystem, passengers can now enjoy diverse and hygienic meal options with minimal effort.
Key Features of the Integration
- Easy PNR-Based Ordering: By entering their 10-digit PNR number into the Zomato app, passengers can automatically fetch their train and seat details, ensuring precise meal delivery.
- Wide Restaurant Network: The service is live across 100+ cities, enabling travelers to order meals from local favorites and trusted restaurant chains.
- Real-Time Order Tracking: Passengers can track their food in real-time, eliminating guesswork on delivery timing.
- Multiple Payment Options: Secure and flexible payment methods, including UPI, credit/debit cards, and Zomato Wallet, enhance convenience.
- Dietary Flexibility: Passengers can choose from an extensive menu, including North Indian, South Indian, fast food, and special dietary meals.
Impact: Elevating Train Travel with Culinary Convenience
While direct performance metrics are still emerging, qualitative benefits of this feature include:
- Enhanced Passenger Satisfaction: Travelers now have access to their favorite meals at their convenience, improving their overall experience.
- Higher Engagement with the Zomato App: The integration encourages more users to interact with the Zomato ecosystem, increasing app stickiness.
- Scalability for Future Enhancements: The structured integration with IRCTC allows Zomato to expand its food delivery offerings across additional routes and stations
The Team Behind the Feature
Ashish Singh – Product Manager, District by Zomato
Ashish identified that train travelers often struggle to find quality food during their journey. Many settle for whatever is available, compromising on taste and hygiene. The team at Zomato saw an opportunity to enhance train travel by partnering with IRCTC e-catering. Delivering, delicious meal- right to their seats.
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