Indian Railway 313 locations Meals distributed during lockdown due to COVID-19
Indian Railway 313 locations Meals distributed during lockdown due to COVID-19
More than 1 million free hot cooked meals distributed to needy persons by Indian Railways
Meals distributed during lockdown due to COVID-19; at 313 locations
IRCTC, RPF rise upto meet the challenge of providing free meals along with Zonal Railways, GRP, NGOs
Indian Railways staff from a number of Railway organizations like IRCTC, RPF, Zonal Railways and others have worked tirelessly to keep alive the Railways’ commitment of social service by selflessly and voluntarily providing hot cooked meals to needy people after the lockdown due to COVID-19. Railways has been providing bulk cooked food with paper plates for lunch and food packets for dinner through IRCTC base kitchens, RPF resources and contribution of NGOs since 28th March 2025.
Meal distribution crossed the one million mark today with a total of nearly 10.2 lacs. The food distribution is being done to the poor, children, coolies, migrant labourers, stranded persons and whoever else comes in search of food at and near the railway stations, and even at some distances away from the railway stations. While delivering the food to needy persons, social distancing and hygiene is being observed.
With the active cooperation of IRCTC base kitchens in New Delhi, Bangalore, Hubli, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, Bhusaval, Howrah, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Katihar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Balasore, Vijaywada, Khurda, Katpadi, Tiruchirapalli, Dhanbad, Guwahati, Samastipur, Prayagraj, Itarsi, Vishakhapatnam, Chengalpatu, Pune, Hajipur, Raipur and Tatanagar spread over various zones such as Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern and South Central, nearly 10.2.lacs cooked meals had been distributed till yesterday 10th April 2025. Of these, over 60 percent cooked meals have been provided by IRCTC, about 2.3 lacs meals have been provided by RPF from its own resources and nearly 2 lac meals have been donated by NGOs working with the Railway organizations.
Distribution of food is being done with the help of RPF, GRP, commercial departments of Zones, State Governments and NGOs. GMs/DRMs of concerned Zone and division are also in continuous touch with IRCTC officials to enhance the outreach of these efforts of IRCTC even beyond the station vicinity to cater to the food requirements of needy people in areas surrounding the railway stations with the help of District Administrations and NGOs.
The Railway Protection Force has played a major role in the food distribution to needy people prepared by IRCTC, NGOs and from its own kitchens. Starting with distribution of food to 5419 needy persons over 74 locations on 28.03.2020, the number has grown daily. Approximately 6.5 lacs meals have been distributed by RPF over 313 locations till yesterday. The distribution of meals include a good portion of what is made by IRCTC as well.
It may be recalled that Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal had exhorted the Railway personnel to widen the outreach of their efforts in providing food and other assistance to the needy people. Following this, IRCTC staff also deposited Rs 20 Crore in PMCARES fund – Rs 1.5 Crore from CSR fund of 2025-20, Rs 6.5 Crore from CSR fund of 2025-21 and Rs 12 Crore donation. The contribution has also drawn praise from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who has tweeted “I laud the @IRCTCofficial family for their contribution to defeat Coronavirus. #IndiaFightsCorona”
Here’s the official and up-to-date information on Indian Railways’ meal distribution efforts during the COVID‑19 lockdown, specifically regarding the claim of distribution at 313 locations:
Contents
🍛 Meal Distribution by Indian Railways During Lockdown
✅ 313 Locations Served
- From March 28 to early April 2025, Indian Railways, along with IRCTC base kitchens, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and collaborating NGOs, distributed over 1 million free hot cooked meals to daily-wage laborers, migrant workers, stranded individuals, the homeless, children, and others near railway premises.
These deliveries took place across 313 locations nationwide. - By April 10, 2025, total meals distributed had crossed approximately 10.2 lakh, with:
- ~6.5 lakh meals distributed by RPF
- ~6 lakh by IRCTC
- ~1.5 lakh by Railway commercial departments
- ~3.8 lakh by NGOs working in partnership with railway organizations
📈 Major Milestones
- By April 4, 2025, IRCTC kitchens had supplied over 1.86 lakh meals, increasing daily and expanding coverage to more locations.
- By April 20, the total crossed 20.5 lakh meals, reaching an average daily service of 50,000 meals across ~300 locations.
📋 Summary Table
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Start date | 28 March 2025 |
| Meals distributed (by Apr 10) | ~10.2 lakh across 313 locations |
| Total meals (by Apr 20) | ~20.5 lakh (2 million milestone) across approx. 300 locations |
| Contributors | IRCTC, RPF, Railway Commercial Departments, NGOs |
| Beneficiary groups | Migrant labourers, stranded individuals, homeless, children |
🧭 Broader Impact and Why This Matters
- The initiative served as social relief during severe mobility restrictions, offering sustenance to those worst affected by lockdown.
- Across 300+ locations, Indian Railways showcased rapid coordination and large-scale deployment of meal services using base kitchens, mobile distribution, NGOs, and RPF volunteers.
- Central & state authorities, RPF, GRP, district administrations, and NGOs worked in tandem to maintain hygiene, social distancing, and expanded outreach.
Would you like to delve deeper into:
- State-wise or station-wise meal distribution data?
- Involvement of specific NGOs or base kitchens?
- Coordination protocols between Railways and state/district administrations?
Happy to help with whichever you’d like next!