India marked another milestone in railway modernisation on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. While its design, speed and overnight comfort have drawn praise, it is the thoughtfully curated onboard food that has truly captured public attention.
A regional dining experience on wheels
To offer passengers an authentic taste of eastern India, Guwahati-based Mayfair Spring Valley Resort has partnered with IRCTC as the official caterer for the sleeper train operating on the Howrah–Kamakhya route.
The menu has been designed to blend comfort with tradition, focusing on wholesome vegetarian meals suited for overnight travel. According to a press release, seasonal produce, slow-cooked preparations, mild spices and traditional sweets form the backbone of the dining experience, ensuring food that is both flavourful and easy to digest.
Bengali and Assamese classics onboard
Passengers can enjoy a spread of regional favourites, including Basanti pulao, cholar and moong dal, chanar and dhokar dishes, Assamese joha rice, mati mohor, masoor dali and seasonal vegetable bhajis. The dessert menu features beloved classics such as sandesh, narikol burfi and rasgulla, offering a comforting end to meals served during the journey.
More than just a food upgrade
Beyond cuisine, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is India’s first long-distance overnight Vande Bharat service, covering nearly 1,000 km. With 16 fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches accommodating around 823 passengers, it features ergonomic berths, automatic doors, advanced suspension, noise-reduction systems and the Kavach anti-collision technology.
The new train is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast, offering travellers a premium, safe and culturally rooted overnight rail experience.