Train travel in India is about to get a big boost. Indian Railways is testing a new catering model aimed at improving the food experience for passengers. The initiative, led by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), focuses on better food quality and service. By splitting meal preparation from serving, passengers can expect fresher, healthier meals prepared in collaboration with well-known food brands.
As part of this effort, the IRCTC is running a Proof of Concept (PoC) on selected trains, particularly the newly launched Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. Daily, IRCTC serves about 1.65 million meals. The PoC will evaluate every step of the catering process—from kitchen setups to how meals are transferred and served. The goal is to ensure all meals meet high standards of hygiene and taste.
In this test phase, different train services are linked with various catering partners. For example, the Nagpur–Secunderabad route is served by Haldiram’s and Elior, while the Delhi–Sitamarhi train features meals from the Touch Stone Foundation. Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services handles the Kasargod–Trivandrum service and the Mangalore–Trivandrum Vande Bharat Express. These partnerships aim to create a menu with local flavors and high-quality dishes, similar to what you’d find in a restaurant.
Initial reactions from passengers have been quite positive. Many travelers appreciate the variety and quality of the meals. This feedback suggests that the new catering model is resonating well, aligning with IRCTC’s vision of enhancing travel experiences. If the trials prove successful, there are plans to expand this model to more train services across the Indian Railways network.
Historically, train food in India has often been criticized for its limited options and poor quality. However, with this new approach, the focus is on setting standards that not only satisfy hunger but make train journeys more enjoyable. As travel habits continue to evolve, catering innovations like this could make train travel in India more appealing, providing an experience that reflects the diverse culinary heritage of the country.
According to a recent survey by the IRCTC, 70% of passengers expressed that food quality significantly influences their travel choices. This speaks volumes about the importance of catering services in the overall travel experience.
As the trials move forward, it’s an exciting time for train travel and food lovers alike. Let’s see how this transformation unfolds!
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