Swiggy Limited has taken another big step in making travel easier and tastier for train passengers. The company has expanded its Food on Train service to more than 115 stations across 28 states and union territories. This move shows Swiggy’s growing focus on bringing good food to every corner of India, even while people travel.
New stations like Madgaon, Tirupati, Ernakulam Junction, Jodhpur, and Jalandhar now join the list, giving passengers in these busy hubs a wider choice of meals. For many travellers, this service has turned train journeys into a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Service Timings and Convenience
Swiggy operates the Food on Train service every day from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. This wide timing window covers breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. Passengers can order food while sitting on their seats, and the delivery partner hands it over directly on the train.
The service runs through a PNR-based system, which links the order with the passenger’s ticket details. This makes the process smooth because passengers do not need to worry about finding their seat or explaining their location. The food reaches the correct coach and seat number.
For passengers, this option works as a reliable alternative to pantry car food or buying limited items at stations. Many travellers often complain that train food lacks variety or freshness. Swiggy solves this problem by offering multiple cuisines and ensuring hot meals arrive on time.
The Growth of “Order for Others”
One of the most interesting trends in Swiggy’s Food on Train service is the rising use of the “Order for Others” feature. Families now use this option to send food to their loved ones who travel long distances.
Currently, around 14% of all orders come from this feature. Parents send simple thalis, rice bowls, or fruit plates to children who travel for work or studies. In some cases, relatives surprise travellers by sending their favourite homestyle meals during the journey.
This trend shows that food is not just about eating—it also carries love and care. By using this option, families stay connected, even when they live in different cities. It gives passengers a sense of comfort when they receive familiar dishes on their train seat.
Demand Peaks at Lunchtime
Swiggy’s data shows that lunch is the most popular slot for train travellers. Many passengers prefer to order filling meals during midday, especially when journeys stretch for more than six or seven hours.
Cities like Vijayawada, Salem, Warangal, Nagpur, and Thrissur show the highest demand for lunch orders. These cities serve as major railway junctions where long-distance trains often halt. Passengers use this time to order complete meals that give them energy for the rest of their journey.
Breakfast and dinner also see steady demand, but lunch remains the favourite because it falls during the busiest travel hours. Passengers enjoy full thalis, rice with curries, or combo meals that keep them satisfied until the evening.
Regional Flavours on Trains
One of the highlights of Swiggy’s Food on Train service is the addition of regional festive dishes. Swiggy understands that India’s food culture is rich and diverse, and it wants passengers to enjoy this variety during travel.
Some of the popular regional dishes now available include:
- Malvani fish curry from Maharashtra
- Kerala Sadya, the grand vegetarian feast from Kerala
- Mangalorean gravies with coconut and spices
- Gujarati thalis with multiple small dishes in one plate
- Rajasthani delicacies like gatte ki sabzi and dal baati churma
These dishes add colour and taste to long journeys. A passenger travelling from North India to the South can now taste local dishes without waiting to reach the destination. This cultural mix makes train journeys more exciting.
Changing the Train Travel Experience
Food plays a big role in how people feel during travel. Earlier, passengers had limited choices and often had to compromise on quality. Swiggy has changed this by offering a wide menu, fresh food, and easy delivery.
The company has partnered with trusted restaurants near railway stations. These restaurants prepare the food and pack it safely. Swiggy’s delivery partners then collect the meals and hand them over at the exact station where the train stops.
This system works well because passengers do not need to leave their seats or rush outside the train. The food arrives on time, hot and ready to eat. Families, solo travellers, students, and even office goers find this service useful.
Why Passengers Prefer Swiggy on Trains
Several reasons explain why Swiggy’s Food on Train service is gaining popularity:
- Variety of Options – Passengers can choose from Indian, Chinese, continental, and regional dishes.
- Ease of Ordering – The PNR-based system keeps the process simple.
- Trusted Quality – Swiggy partners with good restaurants to ensure hygiene and taste.
- Flexible Timings – Orders can be placed between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm.
- Personal Touch – Families can send food to others, adding care and love to the journey.
These factors make the service stand out against traditional pantry car meals.
A Growing Market for Travel Food
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world, with millions of passengers travelling daily. This creates a huge market for food services on trains. Swiggy has tapped into this demand by bringing its expertise in food delivery to the travel sector.
The success of the Food on Train service also points to changing lifestyles. People now expect the same convenience during travel that they enjoy at home. Online ordering, quick delivery, and multiple choices are part of everyday life, and passengers want the same while travelling.
Impact on Local Restaurants
Swiggy’s expansion also benefits local restaurants near railway stations. By joining the platform, these restaurants get access to a steady stream of customers. Even a small eatery can now serve passengers from different states.
This creates jobs for cooks, delivery staff, and suppliers. It also spreads regional food culture to a wider audience. A traveller from Delhi may discover Malvani fish curry on a train and later visit Maharashtra to taste it again.
Looking Ahead
Swiggy’s move to cover 115 stations is only the beginning. The company will likely expand to even more stations in the future. With better technology, faster delivery systems, and partnerships with more restaurants, passengers can expect an even smoother experience.
The “Order for Others” feature may also grow in popularity as more families discover its benefits. Swiggy could add gifting options, special packaging, or festival offers to make this feature stronger.
India’s train journeys are long and often tiring. Good food brings comfort and joy, and Swiggy has found the right way to deliver it.
Conclusion
Swiggy has changed how passengers eat during train journeys. By expanding its Food on Train service to 115 stations across 28 states and union territories, it has reached a large part of India’s railway network.
The service runs daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, covers meals for all times of the day, and delivers directly to the passenger’s seat. With features like Order for Others, the service also brings emotional value by connecting families through food.
Regional festive dishes add local flavours to journeys, while lunch remains the most popular choice among passengers. Cities like Vijayawada, Salem, Warangal, Nagpur, and Thrissur lead in demand.
Swiggy’s efforts not only improve travel experiences but also support local restaurants and promote India’s diverse food culture. As the service grows, it will continue to make train travel tastier, more convenient, and more connected.
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