Soon, train passengers can order food via WhatsApp
New Delhi, Feb 6: Train passengers would soon be able to order food through a WhatsApp number, with an interactive Artificial Intelligence-enabled chatbot handling their queries on e-catering and booking meals.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is already delivering meals on certain routes through WhatsApp number +91 8750001323.
"WhatsApp communication for e-catering services implemented on selected trains and passengers. Based on customer feedback and suggestions, the company will enable the same on other trains," the Railways said in a statement on Monday.
The IRCTC has started e-catering services through a specially developed website www.catering.irctc.co.in as well its e-catering app 'Food on Track', it said.
The implementation of e-catering services through WhatsApp was envisaged in two phases.
The first phase has already been implemented, Under this, a business WhatsApp number sends a message to the customers booking e-ticket for opting in e-catering services by clicking on www.ecatering.irctc.co.in.
They are then enables to book meals of their choice from the restaurants of their choice available at stations enroute directly through the e-catering website of IRCTC without even requiring to download the App.
The next phase is when the interactive WhatsApp meal booking and delivery are planed.
Under this, the WhatsApp number will be enabled to become an interactive two way communication platform for the customer wherein an AI-powered chatbot will handle all queries of e-catering services for the passengers and book meals for them.
Currently, approximately 50,000 meals are being served in a day to the customers through IRCTC's e-catering services enabled through its website as well as app.
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SC refuses to consider individual cases for accepting demonetised currency notes
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to consider individual cases seeking acceptance of demonetised currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations.
A bench comprising BR Gavai and Vikram Nath, however, allowed the individual petitioners to approach the government with a representation.
The top court directed the government to decide the representation and consider the individual grievances, if made, within a period of 12 weeks.
"After the judgement of the constitution bench, we do not find it will be permissible for us to exercise our jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution in individual cases to accept demonetised currency notes," the bench said.
It also clarified that in the event any of the petitioners are not satisfied with the action by the Union of India, they would be at liberty to approach the high court concerned.
In a majority verdict, the top court had upheld the government's 2016 decision to demonetise the currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations.
A five-judge Constitution bench had said the Centre's decision-making process could not have been flawed as there was consultation between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Union government.
The court had said the notification dated November 8, 2016, which announced the decision to scrap the high-value currency notes, cannot be said to be unreasonable and struck down on the ground of decision-making process.
