New Delhi: Now railway passengers can book their meals through an SMS to 139 as the service will be launched from tomorrow on a few select trains on a trial basis.
The SMS food service will be made operational on six trains on the Delhi-Amritsar section from September 25 as a pilot project, said a senior Railway Ministry official.
The Delhi-Pathankot Express, the Katihar-Amritsar Express, the Amritsar-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express, Shan-e-Punjab Express, New Delhi-Amritsar Express and Shaheed Express have been selected for the trial.
“All these trains do not have a pantry car,” said the official, adding “the service will be carried out by the IRCTC.”
According to the plan, one has to send an SMS to 139 along with the PNR number to book a meal.
“The passenger has to just write meal and then the PNR number. Once the SMS is received, the PNR number will be verified for the particular train, coach and seat position and the passenger will be contacted with the details of the menu available,” the official said.
Payment will be collected after delivery of the food at the designated seat.
The SMS food service is part of the e-catering service of the Railways, which is facing an uphill task in improving the food quality on trains.
“The SMS service will be extended to other trains depending on the trial results as our aim is to provide passengers various options for food on trains,” he said.
Besides the SMS, the Railways is also making available food through phone calls, for which two dedicated numbers have been provided. One can call 1800 1034 139 or 0120-4383892-99 to book a meal.
During the trial phase, passengers will be served food at the five nominated stations — New Delhi, Delhi, Nizamuddin, Amritsar and Ludhiana only.
The food will be served from the IRCTC Food Plazas or catering units on the Delhi-Amritsar section.
