Indian Railways is preparing for a major overhaul of its onboard food system, aiming to finally put an end to years of complaints about poor-quality meals served on trains. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has initiated a new model in which food preparation and food service will be handled separately, with professional F&B operators now responsible for cooking meals.
IRCTC: Food Woes On Indian Trains To End ?
Under the revamped system, passengers will receive fresh, hygienic, restaurant-grade food, similar to what is typically served in airlines or premium restaurants. The move marks a fundamental shift from the earlier model, where IRCTC managed both preparation and service internally or through local vendors—often leading to complaints about hygiene, stale food, and inconsistent quality.
Trials Already Underway on Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Trains
IRCTC has begun trials on selected Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat routes. Leading brands like Haldiram, Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services (CAFS), Saffal Foodies, Vaishno Devi Sarovar Portico, and ISKCON have already started serving meals on various trains. Early passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, prompting IRCTC to prepare for large-scale rollout.
Officials say the revised model ensures that industry experts handle meal preparation, guaranteeing standardised taste, improved hygiene, and better packaging. The approach also brings a mix of local flavours and trusted brands, tailored to each train route.
Where the Trials Are Currently Running
Vande Bharat Express (Trials):
• Nagpur–Secunderabad: Haldiram and Elior Meals
• Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram & Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram: CAFS
• Ahmedabad–Veraval: CAFS Gandhinagar Kitchen and Saffal Foodies (Rajkot)
• Katra–Srinagar (both Vande Bharat trains): Vaishno Devi Sarovar Portico
Amrit Bharat Express (Trials):
• Delhi–Sitamarhi: Touch Stone Foundation
• Bapudham Motihari–Anand Vihar: ISKCON Dwarka
What Has Changed in the Menu?
IRCTC has introduced a route-specific menu, integrating regional cuisines to enhance passenger experience.
• South India: local curries, tiffin-style snacks, regional combos
• North India: special thalis, millet-based options
• Regional routes: branded packed meals and region-specific dishes
The new formula focuses on ensuring that the food served reflects local tastes, better nutrition, and premium quality—a shift that IRCTC believes will significantly improve passenger satisfaction.
With trials showing promising outcomes, IRCTC is gearing up for state-wise expansion of the model, marking one of the biggest upgrades to Indian Railways’ catering system in recent years.
