How 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks Will Change Train Food Delivery
Indian Railways is going to start a novel policy of 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks. This initiative tries to bring in constant changes at making the railway infrastructure better and more comfortable for the passengers. The agenda of the scheme mentions a diverse range of areas to improve upon and one of them happens to be train food delivery services.
Passengers who often travel on Indian Railways understand the importance of good food in trains. When the food is delayed, of subpar quality or not delivered at all, has the potential of ruining your entire journey. For a long time this quality of service was accepted as normal. This is soon going to change now.
The newly launched 52 reforms in 52 weeks plan tries to make passenger comfortability a priority and not an option. So, what changes could be implemented for your train food delivery this year. This blog tries to answer these questions and present the RailMitra perspective on these changes.
Opportunities for Train Food Delivery
Train food delivery has always had demand. What it lacked was structure. Earlier, passengers had limited choices. They either depended on pantry food, rushed to buy something during a short station halt, or carried food from home. Over time, expectations changed, but the system struggled to keep up.
Now, with food and catering officially included in the reform agenda, several opportunities are opening up.
Passengers Are No Longer Willing to Compromise
Today’s train travellers compare services. They order food online at home, track deliveries, and expect hygiene. Naturally, they want similar reliability while travelling.
Clean food, sealed packaging, clear pricing, and on-time delivery are no longer bonuses they are basic expectations. The reform push recognises this reality.
Station-Based Food Is Gaining Importance
Relying only on pantry cars has clear limitations. Station kitchens and local restaurants can prepare fresher food and offer more variety. This approach also allows regional flavours to reach passengers instead of repeating the same menu across routes.
For train food delivery platforms, this creates room to expand responsibly while improving quality.
Technology Makes Food Delivery Practical
The railways’ focus on AI and technology improves overall coordination. When train movement data, station halts, and vendor preparation timings work together, food delivery becomes predictable.
This is where platforms like RailMitra naturally fit in bridging the gap between passengers, trains, and food providers.
Better Rules Build Passenger Trust
One of the biggest problems earlier was inconsistency. The reform emphasis on governance and service delivery helps set clearer standards for food vendors. When rules are defined and monitored, passengers feel safer placing orders.
What is 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks
The 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks initiative is Indian Railways’ way of moving away from slow, scattered improvements. Instead of waiting years for visible change, the railways plan to introduce one concrete reform every week throughout 2026. This approach focuses on fixing systems, not just symptoms.
The reform plan was discussed at Rail Bhavan in a meeting led by Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Ministers of State, Railway Board leadership, and senior officials. The discussion reflected a clear intention to make railways safer, smarter, and more passenger-oriented.
Core Areas Covered Under the Reforms
Safety as the Foundation
Train safety remains the top priority. With consequential accidents already reduced drastically over the last decade, the goal is to bring numbers down even further. Safer rail operations also mean fewer disruptions, which directly supports services like food delivery.
Technology and AI Adoption
Advanced technology is being introduced across maintenance, monitoring, and operations. While this may not sound directly linked to food, smoother operations reduce uncertainty and improve coordination for all passenger services.
Training and Skill Development
Reforms also focus on better training, better skill management, and stronger execution on the ground. A well-trained system delivers better service, including catering and onboard support.
Food and Catering Upgrades
Most importantly for passengers, food quality and onboard services are now a formal part of the reform roadmap. This signals long-term commitment rather than temporary fixes.
What This Reform Will Change for Train Food Delivery
The inclusion of food and catering in the reform plan is not symbolic. It has practical implications. Although the details of the exact initiative taken by this plan hasn’t been announced, there are certain areas where we can see changes in the future.
More Consistent Food Quality
With clearer guidelines and monitoring, food quality is expected to become more reliable. Better packaging, cleaner preparation, and accountable vendors improve passenger confidence.
Better Timing, Fewer Missed Deliveries
Food delivery depends heavily on train punctuality and coordination. As operations improve, food delivery becomes easier to plan and execute. Thus, reducing last-minute confusion at stations.
Wider Food Choices
Passengers can expect more variety as reforms encourage organised vendor participation. Regional meals, branded food, and customised options become easier to offer.
Transparency for Passengers
Digital ordering, clear pricing, and accessible complaint systems improve trust. Passengers know what they are paying for and who to contact if something goes wrong.
How to Order Food in Train with RailMitra
You can place a train food delivery easily with the RailMitra platform. RailMitra is accessible both on the website as well as the food on train app available at both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Just follow these steps:
- Go to RailMitra.com or install the food on train app.
- Select Food in train options
- You can order via any of the two methods: PNR Method or Train No. method.
- PNR Method: Enter 10 digit PNR Number and click Order Now.
- Train No. method: Enter Train Name/ Number, Enter Boarding Date and click on Order Now. Enter the Boarding Station.
- Select the station where you want to receive your food delivery in train.
- Select the restaurant and add meals to your Cart.
- Click on View Cart and Proceed.
- Enter Customer Details and Payment Options.
- Apply Coupon Codes (if any).
- Hit Place Order
You will get your food delivered by train at your desired station.
RailMitra: Enhancing Train Food Experience
RailMitra is built around real passenger problems. Instead of offering food delivery in isolation, it connects food ordering with train status and PNR-based information.
This integrated approach reduces uncertainty for passengers and vendors alike. At RailMitra you can order a range of delicious regional dishes. We also understand the special requirements of our passengers and provide pure veg food in train as well.
As Indian Railways continue to improve systems through weekly reforms, RailMitra helps convert policy intent into everyday comfort, reliable meals, delivered without stress.
Conclusion
The 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks initiative marks a clear shift in how Indian Railways views passenger services. Food and catering are no longer treated as side services but as an essential part of the journey.
For passengers, this means better train food delivery cleaner, more timely, and easier to access. For RailMitra, it strengthens the platform’s role in modern train travel.
As reforms roll out week by week, the result will not be loud announcements, but quieter improvements that passengers feel one good meal at a time.