Soon, train passengers to order food via WhatsApp

To make it easier for train passengers to order meals on board, the Indian Railways would enable a WhatsApp number, with an interactive Artificial Intelligence-enabled chatbot handling their queries on e-catering and for booking meals. The decision was taken by the Railways’ catering arm Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) after a successful trial in delivering meals on couple of routes through publicised WhatsApp numbers.

“WhatsApp communication for e-catering services implemented on selected trains and passengers. Based on customer feedback and suggestions, the company will enable the same on other trains in large scale,” the Railways said in a statement on Monday.