In a significant policy shift that empowers millions of train travelers, Indian Railways has made meals optional rather than compulsory on its premium services including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat trains. This revolutionary change allows passengers to exercise choice and potentially save money on their journeys.
What This Means for Passengers
The new catering policy represents a departure from the long-standing practice where meal charges were automatically included in ticket prices for these premium trains. Now, travelers can decide whether they want to avail of the onboard catering services or prefer to make their own arrangements.
How the New System Works
When booking tickets through the IRCTC portal or app, passengers will encounter a clear choice:
- Option with meals: Traditional booking with food charges included
- Option without meals: Ticket booking excluding catering charges
This transparent system ensures that travelers only pay for services they actually intend to use, providing greater flexibility and customization for their journey preferences.
Benefits for Different Traveler Types
The optional meal policy caters to diverse passenger needs:
For Budget-Conscious Travelers
Passengers looking to reduce travel costs can now book tickets without the mandatory food charges, making premium train travel more accessible to different economic segments.
For Health-Conscious Passengers
Travelers with specific dietary requirements or preferences can bring their own food without paying double for services they won't use.
For Short-Distance Travelers
Those taking shorter journeys on these premium trains might find bringing their own snacks more convenient than paying for full meals they may not need.
Implementation and Availability
The new optional catering system is being rolled out across the premium train network, with clear indications during the booking process. Passengers can make informed decisions based on their travel duration, meal preferences, and budget considerations.
This customer-centric approach marks another step in Indian Railways' ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience and provide more personalized travel options. The move is expected to be particularly welcomed by frequent travelers and those who have long requested more flexibility in railway catering services.
