Vande Bharat Passengers Can Now Buy Food Onboard Without Pre-Booking

Passengers travelling on Vande Bharat Express trains will now have the option to purchase food onboard, even if they did not select a meal plan during ticket booking. This decision, announced by the Railway Board on Friday, aims to enhance passenger convenience and improve catering services on these premium trains.

According to an official circular issued to the chairman and managing director of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the Railway Board has directed the resumption of food sales for passengers who did not pre-book meals. The circular states that both cooked meals and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) options will be made available to such passengers.

Addressing Passenger Concerns

Railway officials noted that many passengers frequently complained about being denied food onboard simply because they had not opted for a meal during the booking process. Previously, even if travellers wanted to purchase food during their journey, IRCTC staff refused to serve them due to the absence of a pre-booked meal selection.

“Often, passengers might not select a pre-paid food option while booking tickets but later find themselves needing a meal. In such cases, they were previously denied food even when willing to pay for it. Now, as a policy change, we have decided that non-opted passengers can also avail of safe and quality food onboard,” a railway official said.

Ensuring Quality and Hygiene

To maintain service standards, the Railway Board has instructed IRCTC to ensure the provision of hygienic and high-quality meals for all passengers. Additionally, food sales will be conducted through trolleys within designated time slots to prevent any inconvenience.

The circular also specifies that vending services should cease by 9:00 PM (2100 hrs) or after dinner service, whichever is earlier, to regulate onboard sales effectively.

This move is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience on Vande Bharat Express, providing passengers with greater flexibility and better meal options throughout their journey.