Swiggy Food on Train Service Expands To 201 Railway Stations As India Travellers Rediscover Regional Cuisine

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Swiggy has extended its Swiggy Food on Train offerings to 201 railway stations in India, providing passengers with more opportunities to order their meals while traveling in trains. This program that was launched in March 2024 has reached 201 railway stations from its initial 66 stations in 2024, and the latest development indicates a significant change in the food ordering preferences of passengers who prefer to choose traditional and healthier meals and beverages over conventional fast foods and fizzy drinks.

Some of the additional railway stations that have been added to the program are Kolhapur, Wardha, Shahdol, Kakinada, Bharatpur, Chittoor, Thanjavur, Raigarh, Jamnagar, Indore, and Tundla, among others. The new development shows the extent to which technology is transforming the travel experience in trains as passengers can enjoy more variety of food items without the assistance of traditional station food vendors or packaged meals.

Why This Matters For Train Travellers Across India

Food has always been an important part of Indian railway journeys. For millions of passengers travelling long distances, finding reliable and suitable meals during a journey can directly affect the overall travel experience.

Swiggy’s expanded Food on Train network creates more convenience for passengers by connecting train travel with organised food delivery. The service allows travellers to access restaurant meals, regional dishes and popular food choices while continuing their journey.

How The Expanded Food Service Changes Railway Travel

• Passengers at more railway stations can access digital food ordering options.
• Travellers can receive meals during journeys instead of depending only on onboard or platform food options.
• Regional cuisines become easier to discover while travelling across different parts of India.
• Families, senior citizens and long-distance passengers gain more convenient meal choices.
• Younger travellers, including Gen Z passengers, are increasingly adopting digital food ordering during journeys.

The expansion reflects a wider change in how travellers plan their journeys, where convenience, variety and food quality are becoming important parts of the railway experience.

What Has Changed With Swiggy Food on Train Service Expansion

Swiggy’s Food on Train service has increased its coverage from 66 railway stations in 2024 to 201 stations currently. Since its launch in March 2024, the company has reported strong growth and wider adoption among different passenger groups.

The company said the service has seen multifold growth and is witnessing demand across consumer segments, including Gen Z travellers. Swiggy has also highlighted the opportunity to provide affordable food choices for railway passengers.

Newly Added Railway Stations Strengthening The Network

• Kolhapur
• Wardha
• Shahdol
• Kakinada
• Bharatpur
• Chittoor
• Thanjavur
• Raigarh
• Jamnagar
• Indore
• Tundla

The wider station network helps connect passengers in different regions with more reliable food delivery options during train journeys.

How Indian Train Travellers Are Changing Their Food Choices

Along with expanding its service coverage, Swiggy analysed changing food habits among railway passengers and found a significant move towards traditional and refreshing options.

The company said passengers have shifted away from some fast food and carbonated drinks towards healthier beverages and regional comfort foods.

Traditional Drinks See Strong Growth Among Passengers

• Lassi orders increased by 60 per cent compared with the previous year.
• Buttermilk orders increased by 40 per cent.
• Mojito orders increased by 90 per cent.
• Orders for standard fizzy drinks declined considerably.

These trends indicate that passengers are increasingly choosing refreshing drinks that are associated with Indian food culture and warmer travel conditions.

The shift also shows that railway passengers are not only looking for quick food options but are making more conscious choices about what they consume during journeys.

Thalis Become The Leading Choice For Train Meals

One of the biggest trends identified by Swiggy is the return of traditional full meals among train passengers.

The company said thalis now account for more than 65 per cent of all Food on Train orders, showing strong demand for complete meals rather than individual snacks.

Why Traditional Meals Are Becoming Popular On Trains

• Thalis provide complete meal combinations suitable for long journeys.
• Passengers can enjoy regional flavours in a convenient format.
• Families and groups often prefer full meals while travelling.
• Traditional food choices create a stronger connection with local cuisine.

The popularity of thalis highlights how Indian travellers continue to value familiar food experiences even while adopting digital ordering platforms.

Regional Food Specialities Become A Part Of The Railway Journey

Swiggy’s data also shows that passengers are increasingly ordering famous local dishes from railway stations across India. Travellers are using train journeys as an opportunity to experience regional food directly from their berths.

This trend connects railway travel with India’s diverse culinary identity, allowing passengers to explore local flavours even during short station stops.

Popular Local Food Choices Across Major Railway Stations

Jaipur Junction

• Pyaz Kachori is the single top-selling item.
• The popular Rajasthan snack has become a favourite choice among passengers travelling through Jaipur.

Bhopal

• Poha ranks among the top 10 breakfast choices.
• The traditional Madhya Pradesh dish continues to be popular among morning travellers.

South And Central India Stations

• Local biryani varieties dominate station orders.
• Regional versions of the dish remain among the most popular meal choices.

Lucknow

• Biryani varieties lead orders.
• Tunday Galouti Kebabs are also among the preferred local specialities.

Nagpur

• Haldiram’s thalis are among the leading food choices.
• Passengers are showing strong demand for traditional complete meals.

Madgaon, Goa

• Local seafood thalis are among the top ordered items.
• Coastal cuisine continues attracting travellers passing through Goa.

These examples show that train food is becoming more connected with destination identity, allowing passengers to experience regional culture through cuisine.

Why This Matters For India’s Railway Tourism Experience

India’s railway network connects major cities, smaller towns and popular tourist destinations. As domestic tourism continues to grow, food has become an important part of the overall travel experience.

Digital food delivery services are helping transform railway journeys from simple transportation into more personalised travel experiences.

Wider Impact On Domestic Travel And Tourism

• Supports greater access to regional cuisines.
• Helps local food brands reach more travellers.
• Improves convenience during long-distance journeys.
• Encourages passengers to explore local flavours.
• Adds another layer to domestic tourism experiences.

The growth of services like Food on Train shows how digital platforms are becoming increasingly connected with everyday travel behaviour.

What Travellers Should Know Before Ordering Food On Train

Passengers planning to use Swiggy’s Food on Train service should understand that availability depends on railway station coverage, participating restaurants and train routes.

Before Ordering

• Eligibility: Passengers travelling through supported railway stations can access the service.
• Booking conditions: Food choices depend on available restaurants and delivery locations.
• Destinations: The service currently covers 201 railway stations across India.
• Availability: Menu options vary between stations and regions.
• Official advice: Travellers should check available food options through Swiggy before placing orders.

Passengers should consider their train timings and selected delivery station to ensure smoother food delivery during their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swiggy Food on Train Service

When was Swiggy Food on Train launched?

Swiggy launched its Food on Train service in March 2024.

How many railway stations does the service cover now?

The service has expanded to 201 railway stations across India, up from 66 stations in 2024.

What food items are most popular among train travellers?

Thalis are among the most popular choices, accounting for more than 65 per cent of orders.

Which beverages are growing in popularity?

Lassi, buttermilk and mojitos have seen significant growth compared with the previous year.

Are regional dishes available through the service?

Yes. Popular local dishes include Jaipur’s Pyaz Kachori, Bhopal’s Poha, regional biryanis, Lucknow’s Tunday Galouti Kebabs and Goa’s seafood thalis.

Closing Update

The development by Swiggy to offer the Food on Train app in 201 railway stations is a significant change from the passenger perspective regarding meal services in train travel within India. This initiative has not only made life easier but has also caused changes in consumer behaviour by making consumers want to eat more traditional food, local delicacies, and healthier drinks.

With the integration of digital services into transport, railway travel in India is becoming more connected through food, technology, and local culture.