Indian Railways starts onboard shopping on 125 trains

Post by : Amit

In a groundbreaking move set to transform train travel across India, Indian Railways has officially launched an onboard shopping service on 125 passenger trains. This new initiative is aimed at making long-distance journeys more convenient, enjoyable, and customer-focused. For the first time, passengers will be able to shop from the comfort of their seats while the train is in motion, adding a modern retail twist to India’s traditional rail journeys.

The onboard shopping experience will allow travelers to purchase a wide variety of products including snacks, beverages, personal care items, travel essentials, toys, mobile accessories, and even gift items. Whether a passenger forgot to pack a toothbrush, wants a snack, or is looking for a last-minute souvenir, the new service promises to bring retail convenience to the rails.

To access the service, passengers will be offered printed catalogues or digital menus via QR codes. Orders can be placed directly with trained onboard sales personnel who will be available to assist travelers throughout the journey. Payments can be made through cash or digital modes, offering flexibility and ease for all types of passengers.

This retail initiative is being rolled out on several popular long-distance and premium trains including Shatabdi Express, Duronto Express, and other high-demand mail and express services. The move follows a successful pilot program that demonstrated strong demand for onboard retail, especially among passengers on longer routes where access to essential and luxury items can be limited during travel.

The service is being operated under the guidance of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which has partnered with private retail service providers to manage logistics, staffing, and product inventory. This public-private partnership model is designed not only to ensure quality service delivery but also to boost the Indian Railways’ non-fare revenue streams.

Officials say the onboard shopping experience is part of a broader vision to modernize the country's railways and align passenger services with global standards. In the future, the service could be expanded to more trains and routes, especially if passenger feedback continues to be positive. There are also discussions underway about integrating app-based ordering, expanding product categories, and offering localized items reflecting the cultural diversity of India.

According to railway authorities, the new shopping service is more than just a commercial offering — it is a step toward enhancing the overall travel experience. The aim is to make train journeys more comfortable and provide amenities that reflect the evolving expectations of modern-day travelers. It also opens up job opportunities for onboard sales personnel and logistics staff, contributing to employment generation.

Passengers have already begun sharing positive feedback about the service, praising the availability of useful products, quick service, and the novelty of shopping on a moving train. This service is especially beneficial on routes where station halt times are too short for passengers to buy items on platforms.

As Indian Railways continues to modernize, innovations like these underscore its commitment to passenger-centric solutions. The onboard shopping experience could mark the beginning of a new era of train travel in India — one where comfort, convenience, and consumer choice ride alongside speed and efficiency.

Indian Railways