Passengers traveling on Vande Bharat trains can now purchase ready-to-eat food directly from train staff, even if they did not select a meal option during ticket booking. This new service, approved by the Ministry of Railways on Friday, aims to address growing concerns about the catering service’s professionalism and offer more meal options to passengers. The food will be sold at a standard rate, with no additional cost for passengers who pre-booked their meals.
Previously, during the pandemic, non-opting passengers were limited to pre-packaged meals, a policy still in effect on many other mail and express trains. However, this restriction has been lifted for Vande Bharat services, allowing passengers greater flexibility in meal choices.
In a letter from the Ministry of Railways to the Chairman and Managing Director of IRCTC, it was confirmed that cooked meals, when available, could also be offered alongside ready-to-eat options for passengers who did not opt for meals during booking. This ensures that all passengers can enjoy quality food onboard, maintaining the same price as those who pre-selected their meals.
Additionally, to guarantee hygiene and quality, the Railway Board instructed IRCTC to sell food via trolleys during regulated hours, with no sales allowed after 9:00 PM or after dinner service, whichever occurs first.
Read also: