Indian Railways prepares and serves over one million meals every single day across its massive network, functioning as one of the largest and most chaotic mobile catering operations in human history.

A closer look

Indian Railways prepares and serves over one million meals every single day across its massive network, functioning as one of the largest and most chaotic mobile catering operations in human history. The system relies on a sprawling network of base kitchens and e-catering apps where passengers can order local delicacies to be delivered directly to their seats at upcoming station stops. While European trains offer a depressing sandwich wrapped in suffocating plastic, a train ride across India involves a non-stop parade of vendors aggressively hawking hot chai, biryani, and deeply fried snacks. The sheer logistical nightmare of ensuring a guy in carriage B4 gets his precise order of spicy paneer puts airline service to absolute shame