In February 2026, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation expanded its E-Pantry Online Meal Booking Service to 25 major trains.
The move aims to fix common complaints.
Cold food. Cash-only payments. No accountability.
Now, meals are booked digitally.
And delivered seat-side with verification.
Full List of 25 Trains Now Covered Under IRCTC E-Pantry Service (February 2026)
- 22503-04 Vivek Express – longest-distance train in India
- 12483-84 ASR-Kochuveli Express
- 12561-62 JYG-NDLS Swatantra Senani Express
- 12817-18 HTE-ANVT Swarnajayanti Express
- 18237-38 KRBA-ASR Chhattisgarh Express
- 12791-92 SC-DNR Express
- 12889-90 TATA-SMVB Express
- 12987-88 AII-SDAH Superfast Express
- 12649-50 / 12629-30 Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express
- 12617-18 Mangaldwip Express
- 18477-78 Kalinga Utkal Express
- 12779-80 Goa Vasco Express
- 12533-34 LJN-CSMT Pushpak Express
- 12925-26 MMCT-ASR Paschim Express
- 11061-62 LTT-JYG Express
- 16345-46 LTT-TVC Netravati Express
- 12615-16 NDLS-MAS Grand Trunk Express
- 12493-94 Pune-NZM Darshan Express
- 20805-06 VSKP-NDLS Andhra Pradesh Express
- 14005-06 ANVT-SMI Licchavi Express
- 12303-04 / 12381-82 HWH-NDLS Poorva Express
- 12129-30 Pune-HWH Azad Hind Express
- 12919-20 INDB-SVDK Malwa Express
- 19483-84 Ahmedabad-Barauni Express
- Purushottam Express (often listed alongside others in official†/news reports – e.g., included among key routes with E-Pantry)
What’s New in February 2026?
The service is now live on 25 key long-distance trains, including:
- Vivek Express
- Azad Hind Express
- Purushottam Express
These trains previously had limited or inconsistent pantry access.
Now passengers can pre-book meals directly via IRCTC’s platform.
This marks one of the biggest catering upgrades in recent years.
What Exactly Is IRCTC E-Pantry?
E-Pantry is a digital meal pre-booking system.
Passengers order meals while booking tickets.
Or later via the ‘Booked Ticket History’ section.
Meals are delivered directly to your seat.
No last-minute scrambling.
No vendor confusion.
The MVC Explained: Why It Matters
The biggest 2026 upgrade?
The Meal Verification Code (MVC).
Here’s how it works:
- After ordering, you receive an MVC via SMS.
- The pantry staff delivers your meal.
- You share the code only after receiving the food.
This prevents fraud.
It ensures delivery confirmation.
It blocks fake “meal delivered” claims.
In 2025, non-delivery complaints spiked.
Now, MVC acts as your digital receipt.
100% Cashless & Transparent
The system now supports:
- UPI
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Net Banking
- Wallets
No cash transactions.
Even better?
If your meal isn’t delivered,
refunds are processed digitally.
The new Digital Dashboard tracks your order status in real time.
Transparency has improved significantly.
Quick Book Guide (Mobile Users)
Booking takes under 2 minutes.
Step 1: Log in to IRCTC.
Go to Booked Ticket History.
Step 2: Select “Order Food”.
Step 3: Choose your meal.
Complete digital payment.
Step 4: Receive MVC.
Share it after delivery.
Enjoy your meal.
Simple. Secure. Trackable.
Pantry Car vs. E-Pantry (What’s Better?)
| Feature | Traditional Pantry Car | IRCTC E-Pantry |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Variety | Limited options | Wide variety |
| Payment Mode | Mostly cash | 100% digital |
| Order Tracking | None | Real-time tracking |
| Quality Control | Inconsistent | FSSAI-certified vendors |
| Delivery Proof | No verification | MVC confirmation |
| Refund System | Complicated | Digital refund policy |
The difference is clear.
E-Pantry adds accountability.
Pro-Tip (From Travel Tech Experts)
Book your E-Pantry meal at least 2 hours before reaching major stations.
Why?
Stations are loading hubs.
Fresh meals board there.
Early booking ensures better preparation timing.
Last-minute orders may face delays.
Why This Matters in 2026
Railway food has long been debated.
But this rollout shows digital reform in action.
By combining:
- Cashless payments
- MVC verification
- Digital tracking
- Wider train coverage
IRCTC is attempting a structural shift.
If feedback remains positive,
more trains may join soon.
Train food is no longer an afterthought.
With MVC protection and digital tracking,
E-Pantry could redefine onboard dining.
If you’re travelling soon,
try it once.
You may never go back to cash pantry orders again.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Pantry
The February 2026 rollout includes 25 Mail and Express trains such as Vivek Express, Azad Hind Express, Purushottam Express, Poorva Express, Paschim Express and others. The list is expected to expand further.
Yes. Any passenger with a valid PNR — including RAC — can book meals through the IRCTC platform. Final seat confirmation is not required for food ordering.
The MVC is a unique code sent via SMS after booking. Passengers should share it only after receiving the meal to confirm delivery and prevent fraud.
The system tracks real-time train movement. If delivery becomes impossible due to delays, IRCTC processes a digital refund automatically.
Yes. Payments can be made using UPI, debit/credit cards, net banking, or wallets. Cash payments are not supported in the E-Pantry system.
Rajil M P is a seasoned banking professional with over eight years of experience in the Indian banking sector. He has successfully completed the JAIIB and CAIIB examinations conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), reflecting his strong academic foundation and practical expertise in banking, finance, and risk management. He is the founder and editor of IndianBanker.com, a trusted platform focused on banking news, exam preparation, financial updates, and practical tools for banking aspirants, professionals, and informed readers. Drawing from real-world banking experience, Rajil simplifies complex topics such as interest rates, loans, deposits, RBI policies, and government schemes, making them easy to understand and apply.
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