Great news for passengers traveling on Vande Bharat trains! Even if you didn’t opt for a meal while booking your ticket, you can now purchase food during your journey. The Railway Board has introduced a new policy ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their meal selection at the time of booking, have access to food onboard.
Railway Board’s New Directive
On Friday, the Railway Board instructed the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to provide food to passengers who did not pre-book meals. According to the directive, both ready-to-eat (RTE) and freshly cooked meals (if available) will now be offered to all passengers, including those with existing bookings.
Addressing Passenger Complaints
This decision comes in response to frequent passenger complaints. Many travelers reported that if they hadn’t selected a meal option during booking, IRCTC staff would refuse to serve them food—even if they were willing to pay for it.
A railway official explained, “Passengers sometimes don’t opt for meals while booking, but later realize they need food during their journey. Now, they will have access to clean, quality meals on Vande Bharat trains.”
Guidelines for Onboard Food Sales
To maintain hygiene and efficiency, the Railway Board has directed IRCTC to:
- Ensure the availability of high-quality, hygienic food.
- Sell food through trolley service within designated time slots.
- Stop vending services after 9 PM or once the dinner service concludes.
A Major Convenience for Travelers
This policy is a significant relief for passengers, especially those who book last-minute tickets or decide to buy food during their journey. Now, travelers on Vande Bharat trains can enjoy a more comfortable and hassle-free experience with the option to purchase meals at their convenience.
With this new rule, Indian Railways is making travel even more seamless, ensuring that no passenger has to go hungry onboard Vande Bharat trains! 🚆🍽️
