Introduction to ixigo’s Food on Train Service
In a remarkable achievement for travel convenience, ixigo’s in-app service ‘Food on Train’ has now reached over 10,000 daily meal deliveries in collaboration with Zoop. Launched in October 2024, this innovative feature has transformed the onboard dining experience for passengers traveling across India.
Growth and Popularity
Since its inception, ixigo’s ‘Food on Train’ service has delivered over 20 lakh meals at more than 200 railway stations, showcasing its rapid growth. The service integrates seamlessly within the ixigo and ConfirmTkt apps, allowing passengers to browse through a diverse menu and enjoy freshly cooked meals delivered right to their seats.
Mealtime Favorites
Among the most popular items ordered, the Veg Maharaja Thali stands out as a favorite, followed closely by buttermilk (chaas). Different routes exhibit unique preferences as well; for instance, chicken biryani is highly sought after on the Patna–Delhi line, while travelers between Delhi and Mumbai opt for the Jain Mini Thali.
Unusual Orders and Regional Trends
The diverse range of meal orders reflects evolving food habits among Indian railway travelers. Some of the standout orders have included a remarkable ₹9,082 meal at Ahmedabad Junction and a bulk order of 43 Veg Mini Thalis by a satisfied traveler on the Gangasatluj Express.
Notably, the stations with the highest food order volumes include Vijayawada, Kanpur, Nagpur, Bhopal, and Itarsi, indicating not just a growing interest in food service but also the importance of regional cuisine preferences.
What Does This Mean for Travel Tourism?
This leap in meal delivery service strengthens the travel experience for millions of passengers each year—around 54 crore to be exact. As enhanced onboard dining options continue to emerge, they signify a broader trend towards prioritizing passenger comfort and satisfaction. ixigo’s Group CEO, Aloke Bajpai, underlines this sentiment, stating, “With over 10,000 daily meals now being delivered, we are expanding our scope of services for the annual users we serve.” This dovetails into a growing need for seamless travel experiences that offer convenience without sacrificing quality—essential for enhancing the tourist appeal of modes of transport like trains.
Zoop’s Role in E-Catering
Zoop, as an e-catering partner for ixigo, has played a pivotal role in this initiative. Puneet Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of Zoop, proudly announces their position as a top-three e-catering partner with IRCTC due to their extensive collaboration and reach. Plans are in motion to further diversify their offerings by integrating even more restaurants into the platform, ensuring an expansive culinary experience for travelers.
Enhancing Travel Experiences
The ixigo-Zoop partnership is a prime example of how technology and innovation can revitalize traditional travel sectors. By prioritizing customer experience—thanks to a robust framework for meal ordering and direct delivery—the service enhances not only the journey itself but also the demographic’s view on rail travel as a viable option. This is crucial in positioning train journeys as attractive alternatives to other means of transport, especially in a country as diverse as India.
Conclusion
The success of ixigo’s ‘Food on Train’ service is a testament to the positive shifts occurring in passenger services within the travel industry. As onboard meal delivery evolves, it echoes the fundamental changes reflecting travelers’ desires for greater convenience and richer experiences. While reviews and feedback provide a glimpse into these developments, nothing compares to the personal experience of enjoying a freshly prepared meal on a train ride.
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