Swiggy Food on Train Sees 12x Growth, Fueled by Smaller Cities
By Business Desk
Swiggy’s ‘Food on Train’ service explodes 12x in 2 years, with Tier-2/3 cities driving growth twice as fast as metros. Now at 201 stations!
Train journeys just got a whole lot tastier for many, as Swiggy’s ‘Food on Train’ service has seen a phenomenal 12-fold growth over the past two years. This surge in popularity is largely thanks to travelers in India’s smaller cities, who are adopting the service at double the rate of those in metro areas.
Since its launch in March 2024, the platform has significantly expanded its reach, making meal options available at more stations across the country.
Key Numbers Driving the Growth
- Growth of ‘Food on Train’ service: 12-fold increase in two years.
- Growth rate in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities: Twice as fast as metro areas.
- Current station coverage: 201 stations.
- Previous station coverage (August 2024): 66 stations.
To make ordering even easier and more budget-friendly, Swiggy has introduced some handy new features. Travelers can now use ‘Search by Train’ to find food by simply entering their train number or name, and a ’99 Store’ widget offers meal choices under a hundred rupees.
What’s on the Menu? Evolving Tastes
Our eating habits on trains are changing too, with a clear lean towards traditional Indian comfort food. Passengers are increasingly opting for familiar, hearty options and exploring local delights.
- Most popular meal choice: Thalis, making up over 65% of all orders.
- Rising beverage demand: Lassi, buttermilk, and mojitos.
- Declining beverage choice: Carbonated drinks.
- Regional favorites being explored: Pyaz kachori in Jaipur, poha in Bhopal, regional biryanis in South and Central India, and local seafood thalis in Madgaon.
Sidharth Bhakoo, Chief Business Officer at Swiggy Food Marketplace, noted that ‘Food on Train’ demonstrates how technology creates new ways for us to consume. It allows travelers to plan meals around their journeys and discover local favorites, making food delivery more convenient and accessible.
This service has found broad appeal across different age groups, including Gen Z, highlighting how important convenience and variety are for today’s travelers looking for a good meal on the go.