Swiggy to expand train food service in India

Swiggy said in a press release that it expanded its partnership with IRCTC, growing its Food on Train service to 152 railway stations in India by February 2026, up from 70 stations in February 2025, a 117% increase in 12 months.

The company cited rising demand for diverse food options and a supply chain spanning from Guwahati to Rajkot and Pathankot to Tirunelveli.

Swiggy announced Holi-themed food items like gujiya, pua, puran poli, and chaats available on trains from February 28 to March 8, 2026, with a promotional 125 rupee (US$1.38) discount on orders above 399 rupee (US$4.39).

The Train Friendly Dishes menu now covers 40 popular rail cuisines and contributes 22% of train orders, personalized using passenger data and demand trends.

Deepak Maloo, vice president – food strategy, customer experience & new initiatives at Swiggy, said the expansion aims to enhance travel experiences during Holi and at transit hubs nationwide.

🔗 Source: The Economic Times

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Swiggy is escalating a food delivery battle on India’s railways

Swiggy and rival Zomato now both work with IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) to deliver meals on trains, turning the railway network into a new arena for India’s food-delivery giants 1.
Indian Railways carries over 20 million passengers each day, which gives these apps access to a large captive crowd and an added income source beyond dense urban hubs 1.
Through IRCTC’s e-catering services, Swiggy can reach riders mid-journey, filling a gap where onboard food quality and reliability have often varied.

Train journeys are becoming a data and logistics laboratory

The tie-up gives Swiggy transit ordering signals, including passenger data and demand patterns, helping the company forecast volume and position staff near major junctions.
Rail delivery can also win new users in a setting with few alternatives and strong need, which may build habit at a lower cost than standard marketing.
Station-area demand may push more cloud kitchens and nearby restaurants to open, built around train schedules and route plans rather than neighborhood foot traffic.