Swiggy Expands Food on Train Service Across 122 Stations
Swiggy has broadened its Food on Train service to include 122 railway stations in India, implementing a significant enhancement that extends the pre-order timeframe from 24 hours to 96 hours. This initiative is designed to facilitate long-distance travel by providing a more extensive selection of dependable meals directly to passengers in their seats.
New Stations Added to the Service
Recent additions to the service comprise stations such as Anantpur, Madurai, Alwar, Kozhikode, Khurda Road, Yesvantpur, and Gonda. This expansion follows a notable increase in demand during the festive season, where travellers frequently relied on Swiggy’s offerings to access preferred meals during their journeys.
Festive Season Insights
The festive window from 16 October to 3 November showcased some of the strongest trends for the platform. Biryani topped the list of orders nationwide, with other popular choices including masala dosa, burgers, pav bhaji, margarita pizza, and corn chaat. Additionally, over one-third of passengers opted for at least one sweet treat, with selections ranging from gulab jamun and rasgulla to waffles and cheesecake jars.
Popular Eateries and Brands
Notable brands such as Haldiram’s, Paradise Biryani, A2B, Hotel Aryaas, Annai Restaurant, Rominus Pizza, and McDonald’s represented some of the most ordered establishments, highlighting Swiggy’s capability to cater to both traditional local restaurants and prominent national chains.
Expert Insights on Food Choices
Deepak Maloo, the Vice President of Food Strategy, Customer Experience, and New Initiatives at Swiggy, noted the significance of food in festive celebrations across India, stating that this remains vital even while travelling. With the network now encompassing 122 stations and the new four-day pre-booking option, planning ahead for meals from local favourites has become even simpler for passengers, enhancing the travel experience to feel more like home.
Regional Trends in Ordering
Distinct regional preferences have been revealed in ordering behaviours. Passengers in the northern regions leaned towards biryani, aloo paratha, and red paprika pizza, whereas those in the south favoured dosa, idli, pongal, and curd rice. Eastern travellers preferred thalis and rice bowls, while patrons in the west selected pav bhaji and vada pav. Notably, one customer placed a singular order comprising 45 items, underlining the growing use of the service by larger groups and families.
High Demand on Specific Trains
Demand reached its peak on trains such as the Garib Rath Express, Seshadri Express, Sabari Superfast Express, and Kerala Express. An instance during one festival special from SMVT Bengaluru to New Tinsukia saw 28 passengers in a single coach placing orders simultaneously, with all meals delivered at one designated station.