Indian Railways is rolling out a delicious new initiative on its premium Vande Bharat trains. Passengers will now enjoy authentic local cuisine based on their journey's origin station. This exciting change kicks off on six specific routes, bringing regional flavors right to your seat.
A Taste of India on the Move
The railway ministry has carefully curated menus that reflect the culinary heritage of different regions. This move forms a key part of the "52 reforms in 52 weeks" program announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Officials describe these initial offerings as pilot projects that will eventually expand across the entire railway network.
What's Cooking on These Routes?
The new food service currently operates on six pairs of Vande Bharat trains. Each route features dishes unique to its region of origin. All items introduced so far are vegetarian, catering to diverse passenger preferences.
On the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route, travelers can savor South Indian specialties. The menu includes Idiyappam, Parippu Vada, Chettinad Vegetable Gravy, and Soyabean Fry with Pachakka.
Those journeying between Katra and Srinagar will experience Kashmiri delights. They can choose from Kashmiri Pulao, Rajma, Chhole-Kulche, Kashmiri Roth Cake, and Chana Dal Burfi.
The Nagpur-Secunderabad route brings Telugu and Maharashtrian flavors to the table. Options include Upma, Palakura Pappu, Paneer Kolhapuri, and Dry Bendakaya Vepudu.
How the System Works
The local cuisine changes depending on where the train begins its journey. For example, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat serves Dogri cuisine, while the return Srinagar-Katra train offers Kashmiri dishes. This clever approach ensures passengers experience authentic regional food throughout their travel.
Other routes currently featuring this service include Sabarmati-Veraval, Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram, and the reciprocal journeys between these stations.
Expanding to New Trains
The initiative will soon reach more trains. The first Vande Bharat sleeper train, scheduled for inauguration this week on the Howrah-Guwahati route by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will also participate.
Sources reveal interesting details about this new service. Trains starting from Howrah will feature Bengali cuisine with two distinct meal options. One option includes Pulao, Chaner Dalna, Bhaja Moong Dal, Suti Bhaja, Phulka, and Sandesh. The alternative offers Green Peas Pulao, Mix Dal, Dhokar Dalna, Aloo Jhuri Bhaja, Phulka, and Ras ka Dum.
For trains originating from Guwahati, Assamese flavors take center stage. Passengers can enjoy Joha Rice, Mati Mohar Dali, Assamese Matar Paneer, Aloo Long Beans Bhaji, Phulka, and Narikel Burfi. Another choice presents Jeera Pulao, Masoor Dal, Labra, Aloo Bhindi Bhaja, Phulka, and Lal Mohan.
A Significant Policy Shift
This represents a major departure from existing catering policies. Previously, trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duranto, and Vande Bharat had fixed menus decided by IRCTC, with catering charges built into passenger fares. The new approach brings flexibility and regional authenticity to onboard dining.
Broader Benefits and Vision
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasizes multiple advantages of this initiative. Serving local cuisines encourages participation from local vendors, creating valuable employment opportunities in different regions. The minister stated that this effort aims to improve overall food quality, catering standards, and onboard services.
"This year is the Railways' year of reforms," Vaishnaw told The Indian Express. "We will have 52 reforms in 52 weeks for systemic improvements in efficiency, governance, and service delivery. Food is one of them. The local cuisines will help people become aware about India's great food diversity."
Officials highlight an additional cultural benefit. They believe this move will act as a bridge, exposing people across the country to culinary traditions from distant regions. Passengers traveling between different parts of India will now have the opportunity to taste authentic local dishes they might not encounter otherwise.
The initiative reflects Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing passenger experience while celebrating India's rich culinary heritage. As these food reforms roll out across more routes, travelers can look forward to more delicious journeys that showcase the nation's diverse flavors.
