Railway Services
Indian Railways and its associated passenger-service systems provide several facilities that can make a rail journey more convenient beyond ticketing and train travel itself. This page highlights selected passenger services that are distinct from the digital services and station amenities covered elsewhere on RailMitra Guide Portal.
e-Catering
IRCTC e-Catering allows passengers on eligible journeys to order food from participating outlets for delivery at selected railway stations along the route. The available restaurants, food choices and delivery stations depend on the journey details entered by the passenger.
How it works
- Enter the required PNR or journey details.
- Check the food outlets available for the journey.
- Select the preferred food and delivery station.
- Complete the order using the payment options offered.
- Follow the order instructions for receiving the food.
Availability is route- and station-dependent. Passengers should check the current service availability and ordering conditions before placing an order.
Retiring Rooms
Retiring Rooms are short-stay accommodation facilities available at selected railway stations. They are intended for passengers who need temporary accommodation before or after a train journey.
Before using the service
- Check whether retiring-room accommodation is available at the station.
- Review the current booking and eligibility conditions.
- Check the available room or dormitory options and applicable charges.
- Confirm the permitted period of stay before booking.
Retiring-room facilities and booking arrangements can differ between stations. The current terms shown by the official booking system should be treated as the final reference.
Cloak Rooms
Cloak rooms provide temporary luggage-storage facilities at designated railway stations. They can be useful when a passenger needs to keep eligible baggage at the station for a limited period instead of carrying it throughout a short stop.
Useful points
- Confirm that the station has a cloak-room facility before relying on it.
- Follow the current luggage acceptance and identification requirements.
- Keep the receipt or token issued for deposited luggage safely.
- Collect the luggage within the permitted period and as instructed by the facility.
The facility is available only at designated stations and is subject to the applicable railway conditions.
Railway Parcel Service
Indian Railways also provides parcel-related services for transporting eligible goods and personal belongings by rail. This is different from ordinary passenger baggage carried with a traveller during a journey.
When it may be useful
- When belongings are not convenient to carry as ordinary passenger baggage.
- When goods need to be transported between railway locations.
- When a passenger wants to enquire about rail-based goods transportation.
Acceptance, packing, charges, documentation and handling conditions depend on the type of item and the applicable railway rules. Passengers should confirm the current requirements with the official railway parcel service before sending any item.
Choosing the Right Railway Service
| Service | Useful When You Need | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| e-Catering | Food delivered during an eligible train journey. | Selected trains and stations. |
| Retiring Rooms | Short-stay accommodation at a railway station. | Selected stations. |
| Cloak Rooms | Temporary storage of eligible luggage. | Designated stations. |
| Parcel Service | Transporting eligible goods or belongings by rail. | Subject to railway parcel facilities and rules. |
Important Note
Railway rules, train schedules, reservation policies, fares, platform information and passenger services may change from time to time. Passengers are strongly advised to verify the latest information through the official Indian Railways and IRCTC websites before making travel decisions.
RailMitra Guide Portal is an independent railway information portal created to assist passengers. Although every effort is made to keep the information accurate and up to date, the official Indian Railways and IRCTC websites shall always prevail in the event of any change, revision or policy update.