Swiggy’s ‘Food on Train’ service has become the preferred travel companion for students this summer, with one in every three train food orders in May 2025 placed by students. From homestyle meals to fast food cravings, the platform’s diverse offerings are reshaping train journeys into culinary adventures.
Engineering students from premier institutions like IIT Kharagpur, IIT BHU, and VIT led the charge, often opting for bulk orders. In one case, a student at Bhopal Junction ordered 30 thalis for ₹6,070, catering an entire group aboard the Gondwana Superfast Express. Health-conscious youth gravitated towards The Good Bowl and Lunchbox, while others sought comfort in McDonald’s, KFC, and Haldiram’s. Interestingly, many used Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to stretch their budgets. Nagpur, located centrally on major student travel routes like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata, emerged as the top food stop.
In Kolkata, student travelers passing through Howrah and Sealdah stations were seen ordering in large volumes, often combining early morning breakfasts and post-dinner desserts. The city’s fondness for variety, including biryani and continental dishes, matched Swiggy’s offerings, making Kolkata a vital contributor to the service’s pan-India success. Swiggy, in partnership with IRCTC, now serves over 100 stations, promising timely, seat-delivered meals with a wide menu selection.
