Swiggy Limited, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, is redefining the way students travel this summer with its innovative Food on Train service. As trains criss-cross the country during the holiday season, a new trend is gaining steam, i.e., students turning train journeys into culinary adventures. Whether it’s a quick bite or a full-fledged feast for an entire coach, Swiggy is now firmly part of the student travel playbook.
A Hungry Generation on the Move
In May 2025, 1 in 3 Food on Train users were students, highlighting the demographic’s enthusiastic adoption of the service. The variety of food ordered paints a fascinating picture of Gen Z’s palate: while comfort classics like Biryani remain popular, students are also choosing globally inspired options such as Spaghetti Aglio Olio, Paneer Tikka Quesadilla, Burgers, and even Mediterranean and Arabic fare. For the more adventurous, King Fish Tawa Fry and Chicken Kasha Bhuna added spice to the journey.
Smart Choices Meet Serious Cravings
Swiggy reports a noticeable balance between indulgence and mindfulness among student orders. While fast-food staples like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, and Pizza Hut remain popular for their familiarity and speed, many students are also choosing healthier options. Brands like The Good Bowl and Lunchbox are catering to a growing segment seeking nutritious, home-style meals.
Haldiram’s emerged as a versatile favorite — a dependable crowd-pleaser for those wanting variety in both snacks and meals.
When One Orders for All
Some student stories stand out. A remarkable instance of train camaraderie was observed at Bhopal Junction, where a single student on board the Gondwana Superfast Express placed a ₹6,070 order for 30 thalis, ensuring an entire group of friends dined together en route — a moment that turned a regular trip into a shared memory.
Nagpur: The Hotspot for Hungry Travelers
With its location at India’s geographical center, Nagpur Station has become a strategic and sentimental favorite among students. As most north-south or east-west journeys pass through this bustling junction, it’s a key pitstop for students traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Swiggy has identified Nagpur as the top station for student orders — with seat delivery ensuring hot meals meet students before the train resumes its journey.
Engineering Students Fuel the Trend
Students from engineering colleges are leading the charge, accounting for nearly 70% of all student orders on Swiggy’s Food on Train. Prominent institutions like IIT Kharagpur, IIT BHU Varanasi, and Vellore Institute of Technology top the list. Swiggy’s analysis indicates that long-distance train travel is still a norm for many students from these institutions, who increasingly rely on the platform for convenience and quality.
Credit Where It Counts: Buy Now Pay Later
In a sign of changing financial behavior, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) emerged as a popular option among student customers, allowing them to stretch their limited travel budgets. When combined with other credit options, BNPL saw a significant uptick — giving students more flexibility and fewer compromises when it comes to mealtime on the go.
Meals Without a Schedule
Another revealing trend: students don’t follow conventional meal timings. Swiggy observed food orders across the clock — from 7 AM breakfasts to 11 PM desserts. About 1 in 5 students placed multiple orders on the same journey, often dining at one station and ordering desserts at the next.
Swiggy’s Vision for Seamless Train Dining
Commenting on the trend, Deepak Maloo, Vice President – Food Strategy, Customer Experience & New Initiatives, Swiggy, said:
“Students are really loving Swiggy’s Food on Train service! They’re ordering everything from different cuisines to late-night snacks, and even big group meals. This huge demand from students is inspiring Swiggy to keep improving the onboard dining experience and focus on delivering the meals students want, whenever and wherever they are on their journey.”
Swiggy’s partnership with IRCTC and its rollout across 100+ railway stations underscore its mission to transform train travel. With seat-assured deliveries, cutlery, and an expansive menu from thousands of partner brands, Swiggy Food on Train is more than a convenience — it’s fast becoming a beloved part of the Indian student travel experience.
As trains continue to be the lifeline of Indian student mobility, Swiggy is ensuring that the journey is as satisfying as the destination — one thali, quesadilla, or gulab jamun at a time.
