Meals on Indian Railways: What You Need to Know
Have you noticed some chatter online about meals on premium Indian trains? Many travelers have raised concerns that Indian Railways has made meal selection mandatory when booking tickets for trains like the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, and Vande Bharat Express. However, the official word from IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is a bit different.
A senior IRCTC official recently clarified that the option to decline meals hasn’t been removed; it’s still available, just repositioned on the booking page. This means if you don’t want food, you can still easily choose the “I don’t want Food/Beverages” option.
How to Book Tickets Without Meals
If you want to book your train ticket without the meal option, here’s a quick guide:
- Create an account on the IRCTC website.
- Log in with your username and password.
- Enter your travel details: From station, To station, date, and class of travel.
- Click on “Search” to see available trains.
- Choose the train that fits your schedule.
- Click “Book Now” for your selected class.
- Verify the journey details on the Passenger Reservation Page.
- Fill out passenger information: name, age, gender, and berth preference.
- In the ‘Other Preference’ section, select the option to opt-out of meals.
A recent survey found that 70% of travelers prefer booking tickets online rather than through agents. This showcases the growing trend of digital convenience in travel.
Historical Context
In the past, Indian Railways provided limited food options, often leading to passenger complaints about quality and hygiene. Over the years, the service has evolved, with meals becoming an integral part of the travel experience. Yet, some travelers still prefer to pack their meals or eat at stations.
Recent Trends
On social media, photos of packed train meals have gone viral. Users share their thoughts about train food, focusing on variety and taste. Many appreciate the meals but express a desire for healthier options. According to recent studies, nearly 60% of users want better quality in train dining services.
In summary, while the availability of meal options has generated some confusion, travelers can still choose meals as they wish. For a smooth booking experience, just follow the simple steps outlined above.
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